Methods To Make Faux Stained-Glass Mirrors

Stained glass has been around since the Ancient Roman Empire. They were frequently installed in places of worship such as temples and churches. However, they were also incorporated in the design of cups and other works of art. As a modern-day part of design, stained glass has become a well-loved design aesthetic. From installations to residential doors and windows, stained glass now offers a wide variety of color and style options. If you are interested in creating your own, why not handcraft a stained-glass mirror as a beginner project? Glass Express offers a number of methods to help you create your very own Faux Stained-Glass design.

Transparent Window Film

Transparent films are thin sheets of adhesive plastic that come in a number of colors. The films can be cut to different shapes, then applied onto the surface of a mirror. They are easy to use, non-toxic, and easy to remove, should you change your mind later or make a mistake. The films are usually sold in pre-cut sizes, so buying several sheets may be necessary to allow you to work with different colors. 

Transparent Glass Stickers- Faux Stained-Glass

Stickers are your best bet if you want the quickest way to make a faux stained-glass mirror. These are pre-designed stickers made of transparent plastic film that have an adhesive backing. To apply, simply peel off the protective paper or plastic, then lay the sticker on the surface of the mirror while pressing it down. 

Transparent glass stickers are easy to remove, so you could change designs as often as you want. They also come in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs that would fit any style aesthetic you might have.

Liquid Glass Paint

An easier option that provides a close resemblance to more professional stained-glass work is liquid glass paint. This liquid form of glass paint is far easier to work with because it can be applied using a brush or a sponge or poured directly onto the glass surface.

Liquid glass paint come in a variety of colors, and they could be mixed to achieve certain colors. They can be bought in single tubes or bottles, or in a more convenient pack containing several colors. Some types of liquid glass paints are also formulated safe even for children to us, so painting using your fingers and hands should not be a problem. They are also easy to wash off and clean. Some brands are even non-toxic and hypoallergenic.

On the upside, liquid glass paint can be inexpensive. However, some types are non-permanent and may wash off, which means your project will require the application of a sealant or varnish.

Tempera Paint

Tempera paint is a water-based, non-toxic paint that is formulated with a type of chemical binding agent. It is more commonly known as poster paint. This is a good glass-painting option for mirrors if you want an opaquer effect. The drying time for tempera on glass is longer, however. If you want to avoid smudges, allow the mirror to dry for at least 24 hours – more, if there are multiple layers of paint. 

Note that the tempera paint is not the same product as the egg tempera paint. Tempera paint can also be cleaned off using warm water and a sponge, although some types of tempera paint may stain the glass. If you want a more permanent installation, the surface must be sealed.  

Paint Pens

If you want to make detailed drawings on your faux stained-glass mirror, paint pens and markers are a good option to consider. Pens and markers come in two different tips – bullet and chisel. The bullet type allows you to make fine, thin lines while the chisel tip lets you create thicker lines. 

Paint pens are great for drawing lines and shapes but will not always work well for mixing colors, layering, or covering large surfaces. Some paint pens are permanent while others can be washed or wiped off with a wet sponge. They are easy to use and even come in metallic or pastel colors. 

Acrylic Paint

Acrylic paint is a go-to medium for many art projects and glass painting is just one of them. It is a water-based, non-toxic option that comes in a wide variety of colors and intensity. Acrylic paint is a favorite choice for DIYs and small projects because it is not only easy to use but also inexpensive and readily available. 

To use acrylic paint as stained-glass paint, it has to be mixed with a binding agent, such as clear glue. A few drops of acrylic paint with about 3 tbsps. of glue should work well to bring out the intensity of the color. Glue will likely seal the pigments of the acrylic paint in but to protect the surface completely, Glass Express recommends spraying it with a sealant.

Glass Spray

Glass spray paint is especially formulated to be used on glass surfaces. It is very convenient to use, especially for covering mid- to large surfaces. Paint sprays also come in a wide range of colors, so it is easy to achieve any design you might have in mind. Aside from the vibrant and brilliant colors, glass spray paints also come in metallic colors.

Glass spray paint does require a good steady hand. It is not the best medium to use for precision work or for painting tiny spots. It is highly unlikely that colors can be mixed with spray paint as well. However, it does offer good transparency for single or thin layered applications and comes in a wide range of colors.