Asked on Sep 14, 2015

How do I stop paint peeling off when painting glass?

Nicholl
by Nicholl
I have tried several different ways to paint glass jars and none have achieved the look that I want. On the exterior of the jars: I have cleaned the jars with alcohol prior to painting. Then have used spray paint (made for glass) then coated it with a spray acrylic coating. I have also tried hand painting the exterior with chalk paint then distressed it with sand paper. If I drag my fingernail down the jar both kinds of paint peel. I'm concerned because I would like to sell my wares and wonder how "sturdy" the paint needs to be. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
  18 answers
  • Emma Taylor Emma Taylor on Sep 14, 2015
    I used to paint jars and sell them. My foolproof finish was two coats of Future floor finish. I don't know if they still make this. I know there is another floor finish, available at Wal-mart and elsewhere; can't remember the name now but it starts with an "H" I believe..
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Sep 14, 2015
    Have you tried just using general craft paint for glass?
    • Nicholl Nicholl on Sep 15, 2015
      @Janet Pizaro @Hi Janet. I have tried several different kinds of paints including acrylic and glass paints. When painting the outside of the bottles you can see the brush strokes. When I swirl the paint on the inside of the bottle and drain it the rim of the bottle dries with paint glops around the edge. I tried cutting them off with a razor blade but that causes the rest of the paint to peel. Thanks!
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Sep 14, 2015
    etch the glass chemically or with a sanding.
  • 861650 861650 on Sep 14, 2015
    I realize how frustrated you are with all your hard work (have been there several times) and I cannot believe the spray paint did not do very well. I don't know what to tell you. Maybe you can get a great answer on this site. Or, google it. Maybe something like "glass paint that works," or, "glass paint for crafts. Anyway, I so wish you good luck with this project and, please let us know how it turns out!
  • Henare Makoare Henare Makoare on Sep 14, 2015
    try a light sand with sand paper. I do that when I paint tiles.
  • Toni Teague Toni Teague on Sep 14, 2015
    Did you make sure your glass was clean before painting? You need to clean then clean again with alcohol swipes and let air dry before painting. Be sue to let paint dry throughly between coats..
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Sep 14, 2015
    Toni she said she cleaned the glass .
  • Becky Becky on Sep 14, 2015
    They make craft paint for glass, you can get it any of the craft stores, but I guess it depends on what kind of painting you are doing.
  • Nancy Spencer Carlson Nancy Spencer Carlson on Sep 14, 2015
    washing with muric acid before painting will give the glass 'tooth' to hold the paint. Also, here's an article that might help some. http://painting.about.com/od/decorativepainting/ht/slipperysurface.htm
  • Connie Connie on Sep 15, 2015
    If your surface paint design is opaque, use a primer. I like Zinser 123 or any primer for slick surfaces. Works well on clean/slick surfaces like glass. Primer will form a bond between your surface and your top paint. If you are spray painting, a spray primer works too. These primers won't be transparent however, so whatever is next to the glass will show a solid primer color inside or outside. As others have mentioned, allow enough dry time, as glass will not absorb any moisture during the cure time.
    • Christine Carr Christine Carr on Sep 29, 2018

      I agree. I've tried so many methods and my paint just peels off with the second coat. But, while I did not use Zinser 123, I used Rust-Oleum (flat white primer) allowed my jars to dry for a few days (only because I couldn't get back to my project) and I just painted my jars with no issues!!!! FINALLY!!!

  • Bren A. Bren A. on Sep 15, 2015
    Plaster paint from The Plaster Paint Company is amazing! Paints on anything! No sanding, priming etc! Sticks on glass, mirror, metal, fabric, laminate, and of course, wood!
  • Nicholl Nicholl on Sep 15, 2015
    Thank you everyone! I appreciate you taking the time to help me out!
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Sep 15, 2015
    sorry this is happening I tried to research further but cannot come up with any other solution, You've done the necessary steps. My only other suggestion is to talk to an experienced rep at an art store.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Sep 16, 2015
    Your welcome.
  • Z Z on Sep 16, 2015
    Even professionally painted glassware finish will come off when scratched. It's the nature of the product. I suggest to go about painting them they way you have, but to pack them carefully in bubble wrap when taking them to craft fairs to sell. You might want to print up some tags that tell of the delicate nature of painted glass with care instructions to hang on your jars. Good luck!
  • CESCA CESCA on Sep 29, 2018

    I used to paint on glass and after project was finished I would put the glass panel in the oven, regulate according to thickness, and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, again, according to thickness. This is baking the paint into the glass.

    Good Luck

  • D.j. N Patty D.j. N Patty on Dec 20, 2018

    I’ve heard baking works . I may try it. I wonder if it works

  • Angela Angela on Dec 15, 2019

    My question is, why does my paint peel off as I’m doing the second coat. It actually blisters and just makes globs of paint. I’ve waited over night to put on the second coat and it still happens. I’ve used sponge brushes and also expensive brushes they both do the same. Please HELP!!!