How do I stop paint peeling off when painting glass?

Question

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!

Emma Taylor · Answer

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 · Answer

Have you tried just using general craft paint for glass?

Johnchip · Answer

etch the glass chemically or with a sanding.

861650 · Answer

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 · Answer

try a light sand with sand paper. I do that when I paint tiles.

Toni Teague · Answer

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 · Answer

Toni she said she cleaned the glass .

Becky · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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.

Bren A. · Answer

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 · Answer

Thank you everyone! I appreciate you taking the time to help me out!

Janet Pizaro · Answer

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 · Answer

Your welcome.

Z · Answer

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 · Answer

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 · Answer

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

Angela · Answer

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!!!

How do I stop paint peeling off when painting glass?

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How do I stop paint peeling off when painting glass?

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