Asked on Feb 06, 2017

What kind of paint sticks permanently to a glass mirror?

Kathy
by Kathy
Looking for opaque paint to apply to a glass mirror so that I don't see the backsides of wood strips that will be laid on top of the mirror's surface as a frame of sorts. People have suggested I paint the backside of the wood strips, but then I would still see them reflected in the mirror. Ideally, it would be a flat, matte finish to help the wood strips adhere to the mirror. I tried a sample of the acrylic art paints that come in the small bottles, but when it dried, it peeled right off. I am not looking for the translucent or "stained glass" type of paint. I need something that will prevent the reflection, plus have some "tooth" to it that the wood strips can grab onto. Chalk Paint? The wood strips would be glued on, unless someone can give me a better idea. Thanks in advance for info and/or suggestions.
  13 answers
  • William William on Feb 06, 2017

    Any paint that is use on glass will have a tendency to peel. Some transparent glass paint can air dry, but most would have to be heat set. Acrylic paints can work on glass with the addition of a glass medium. Another problem you may encounter is the wood strips may not hold being glued to a painted surface. Whether you paint the mirror or the back of the wood strips there still would be some reflection since that is what a mirror does.

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 06, 2017

    Most paints will work, I suggest chalkpaint because it also adheres to most surfaces so you can easily use your leftovers for whatever your next project is. Good luck!

  • Chatycms Chatycms on Feb 07, 2017

    Are you trying to remove the actual mirror shine? Why not inset the mirrors on the wood strips? Measure the size of the mirror on the wood, then chisel it out

    so that the mirror just sits on the gouged out part. Why are you trying to make

    it opaque?

  • Joan LeVasseur Joan LeVasseur on Feb 12, 2017

    I just finished a project on glass using a liquid silver pen bought at Walmart. If you use the silver on the wood maybe that would eliminate the shadow.

    • Kathy Kathy on Feb 12, 2017

      Thanks, Joan, for the silver pen suggestion--that might work!

  • Mar20519175 Mar20519175 on Feb 12, 2017

    How about painting the wood strips to reflect onto the mirror?

  • Touchedpainter Touchedpainter on Feb 15, 2017

    much product as possibleI have 40+ yrs a Comm. Paint/surface coating Contractor, There are many primers that stainkill/grip to varnished, Formica, glass, etc. The absolute best is a Glidden product called "Gripper". You can get at Home Depot & most other chain hardware stores & some "mom &pops". a lesser brand is "Zinzer 1 2 3", & "Kilz" (We don't use them anymore but they should work for your craft project) READ THE DIRECTIONS ON THE CAN. Use gloves These are high bonding products including human skin & animal fur. There is so much technology going into surface coating right now, always ask suggestions at an "actual paint store", they are experts on their paint products (not a box store like Home Depot, Lowes, they are not experts). Primer just means first coat, that's it. Most situations (simple repaint) just using the finish paint is perfectly adequate for that first coat. Remember there is massive technology going into surface coatings, so don't let the store clerk talk you into buying something you definitely do not need. Hardware stores are friendly, but they are not your friend. Their sole mission is to move as much product as possible... make those sales... whether you need it or not.

  • Meburke Meburke on Feb 15, 2017

    As mentioned paint even enamel will scratch or peel off .." looking glass spray paint" $12.00 can,hobby lobby under lock & key..@Micheal's too... ,to mimick a mirror sprays on & stays on,done on the reverse of glass,old mirrors. It works.i've used it in vases too.

  • Millie Millie on Feb 24, 2017

    I would look up Unicorn Spit. It is unique and works magic on glass.


    and you can do as litle or as much of a design as your heart desires.

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/468092955002302638/

  • Vickie Baker Mahan Vickie Baker Mahan on Jul 23, 2017

    I want to paint baseball stitches on a round mirror I brought. It does have a frame. What can I use that will not come off when I clean the mirror?

  • Emily Emily on Jul 23, 2017

    you must paint the backs of the wood strips, black.

  • Jennifer Mary Raymond Jennifer Mary Raymond on Jun 26, 2018

    Hi I'm sure your projects already done but for future reference a product called glass paint perfection it's just is it implies paint for glass and mirrors and it does stay on permanently I've used it in the past. Best of luck!

  • Lorraine Rabalais Lorraine Rabalais on Jun 06, 2019

    I have the same problem nothing found when googled it. Do you happen to know the name of the company that makes it?

  • Rossi Tejeda Orozco Rossi Tejeda Orozco on Mar 27, 2020

    Is it a good idea to paint on a mirror, like some kind of lines, see pic attached.