Glass painting is a type of art that has a long history. Once his secrets were known exclusively to masters. Over the past century, a significant leap has taken place in paint technology. Today, glass painting can be done not only by an artist, but also by a person who is far from decorative and applied art.
Before you talk about the basic rules of applying and fixing the picture, it is worth making a short digression into history. When did stained glass painting appear? In what areas was this type of decor used?
Story
Glass painting as a form of art originated in the Renaissance. She met then exclusively in Gothic cathedrals. These were complex, multi-color works of art, consisting of variously shaped glasses, which were fastened with lead jumpers. In Russia, glass painting became interested in the early 19th century.
Glass painting has a certain captivating and enchanting power. No wonder she inspires the creativity of people of various professions. Acrylic painting on glass has become one of the common hobbies. It was said above that stained-glass windows appeared for the first time in the Renaissance. But people, of course, learned to apply fancy drawings to glass much earlier. The vessels, jugs and other utensils of the ancient Egyptians, discovered by archaeologists, are proof of this. And the Egyptians used to put on their mummies in clothes decorated with colorful glass beads.
Medieval glass painting has little in common with modern stained glass painting. Other materials, other technologies. And what the ancient Egyptians created is a little like modern painted dishes. Today everyone can take a short training course in glass painting. To learn the basics of this type of art is easy and independent with the help of textbooks and tips from masters. Below you will find basic information about glass art painting. Describes the choice of colors, technology, a master class on applying simple images.
There are several types of paints used in glass painting. Beginner workshops usually talk about acrylic paints. But in general, there are other groups of materials:
- based on synthetic solvent;
- water based;
- paints, after use of which the product is fired;
- film paints.
Synthetic solvent based material
Stained glass paints are divided into two types. The first is water-based paints. The second is based on a synthetic solvent. The latter type has several advantages and relates to materials used by professional craftsmen. The use of stained-glass paints based on a synthetic solvent suggests a certain amount of experience. By the way, their cost is relatively high.
Masters recommends the use of water-based paints at the initial stage. With their help, it is easy to apply patterns. Over time, it is worth switching to materials based on a synthetic solvent.
Water based paints
It is easy to get a colorful, bright image using this type of material. Paints are transparent, fit well on glass. They have a specific smell, but are not toxic. However, they have less fluidity compared to a synthetic solvent based material.
If the paint has thickened, it can be slightly diluted with water. True, this should be done very carefully (preferably with a pipette). If you add too much water, the paint will lose its quality. In addition, after dilution, the color becomes less saturated. Shaking the paint before work is not recommended - it starts to bubble, which can ruin the picture.
Water based paints mix well. You can get any shade, having only the basic colors (red, blue, yellow). Paints are available in bottles with a thin tip, and therefore in the work you can do without brushes.
Film paints
They are also called "sticky". Film paints are the simplest material. True, and the most unpredictable. After drying, the colors change significantly. Before using them in work, it is worth making several samples. "Adhesive" form after drying a translucent dense layer, even if applied with a thin layer. This is their fault. If the paint lays too thick, sloppy spots appear at work.
Film paints are more suitable for activities with children. Create subtle artwork using this material will fail.
Paints are applied to a transparent film, and then, after drying, the image is separated from the plastic base and glued to a smooth surface. Removing a drawing is as easy as applying.
Acrylic paints
Such paints are very bright, saturated. They have a viscous and viscous consistency. But in order to apply a pattern with uniformly colored details, experience will be required. After drying, the material forms a waterproof semi-matt surface. The paints mix well, but it is desirable to dilute them with acrylic gels (water reduces the strength of the film). When washing the product, the image may be distorted.
Stencils for painting on glass
Even someone who does not know how to draw can create pictures on glass. The drawings will be even and neat if you use stencils for painting on glass. You can buy them at any specialized store. Many craftsmen make them on their own. How to do it? On the image you like (from a book, magazine, etc.) you need to put a loose sheet of paper. Circle the contours, and then use a clerical knife to cut.
The glass painting uses acrylic or stained glass paints. Each type of material has its own characteristics, requires certain skills. But stencils can be used anyway. They will help to easily apply the image on any flat surface. The choice of plot and pattern for painting on glass remains with the master (it is not always possible to find a stencil with the necessary ornament in the store for creativity).
Instruments
What will be needed for the creative process? As we found out, paints. Any glassware: glasses, glasses, bottles, vases is suitable for painting. You can also use interior items, for example, transparent lamps with a flat surface. Despite the fact that paints are sold with a tip, it’s worth buying brushes: with both wide and thin bristles. In addition, you will need:
- contours;
- degreaser;
- fixer:
- diluent;
- cotton buds and cotton pads.
When working with paints based on synthetic solvent, you need to use brushes with artificial nap. Tools with a natural pile will quickly become worthless.
Cotton pads are needed at every stage of work. First, with the help of them degrease the surface of the product. After drawing the excess paint is removed. Often cotton pads are used to adjust large parts. With cotton swabs, it is convenient to remove excess drops of paint.
For painting, you need a palette. Experienced craftsmen recommend using a glass or plastic base. Of course, it should be transparent. However, to more accurately determine the hue, you need to put a white sheet of paper under the palette.
The list above also contains fixatives. What are they needed for? These tools will be needed after sketching. A drawing made on paper is placed under the glass or inside the vessel. In order not to distort the ornament, the paper is attached to the product. Usually use masking tape, which leaves no residue.
Outlines
They come in various colors. Used as a paint separator. In the process of working with contours, you must remember: the lines must be closed. Otherwise, the paint will spread. Black, white, silver, gold contours are most often used. They differ from each other in thickness. This material is sold in tubes with both narrow and wide tips.
When working with acrylic paints, no contours are needed. But after drying, it is desirable to cover the surface of the product with a special varnish. So the picture will be more stable and durable.
Degreaser
The technology of painting on glass involves the use of any alcohol-containing liquid. Otherwise, the paint will not lie down evenly and spreads over the surface. After degreasing the product, you do not need to touch its surface with your hands, especially where the drawing will be applied.
Action algorithm
Glass painting is a creative process. However, in the work you need to follow a clear algorithm:
- Prepare the product. There may be labels on the glass, goblet or vase. The product should be placed in hot water for about fifteen minutes. Then thoroughly clean the glass.
- Degrease the surface. You need to do this with a cotton pad and a liquid containing alcohol. Then the product must be thoroughly dried.
- Pick up the necessary sketch, transfer it to the glass.
- Circle the ornament, then carefully remove the excess.
- Fill image details with paint. To dry.
The method of filling parts with paint depends on the type of material. Acrylic paint is applied in strokes. For this, brushes are used, sometimes a sponge. Stained glass is best applied with a brush with a very thin tip. In this case, the surface of the product should always be in a horizontal position. Otherwise, the paint will spread. And you need to start from the edge, abundantly filling the elements with paint. Due to its high fluidity, it fills the contour with a thin and transparent layer.
The use of some colors involves baking. You need to carefully read the instructions. So, alcohol-based stained glass paints do not need baking. They withstand washing in hot water. But painting on glass with acrylic paints involves firing. The main thing is to set the temperature and mode correctly. Otherwise, the paint will change color or burn out.
Master Class
As already mentioned, any glassware is suitable as a product for painting. You can even practice a little on ordinary liter and two-liter cans. What is more difficult - to put the picture on a flat surface or blown dishes? A beginner will also cope with the first option. But even a vase, a floor lamp, a glass is not as difficult to paint as it might seem at first glance.
As with any other kind of creativity, the first thing you need to do is sketch. To do this, you need plain paper and a simple pencil. Let's draw a rowan branch and a bird sitting on it. Anyone who knows how to draw will do it in a few minutes. A similar image can be copied by the method indicated above.
The drawing is ready. Put the paper inside the vessel. We carefully straighten it and with the help of a contour we put an ornament on the glass. Then fill each part with paint. Only two colors are needed here: red and green.
In the painting on glass, various images are used. Including abstract. So, unremarkable glasses will turn into an exclusive set after applying a simple ornament. And it will be a wonderful birthday gift for a relative or colleague.