This Artist's Recommended Window paints
People constantly ask me the same questions about window painting and I love to share the hobby and tips about the technique with them. I do not mind sharing because it is a way to teach and hold this special hobby for the next generation. If I do not share it, it may be lost in the past. I simply cannot let that happen. That is the reason I wrote The Essential Window Painting Guide. I seriously believe there is no such thing as stupid questions. There are only the ones you don't ask!
Question 1:
What kind of paint do you use for window painting?
What kind of paint do you use for window painting?
The first thing I need to know is where do you live? Are you in a dry climate like where I live in Southern Nevada? If the answer is yes, then the paint I would recommend is the Blick Student Grade Tempera from Blick Art. I do not recommend this paint because it is pricey nor do I recommend it because it comes in this fancy little six pack. I do use this paint. I have for years. I trust it and I rely on it for my glass holiday paintings.
I have tried other brands and ended up really upset because they just do not do what I need them to do for window painting. There are temperas out there that are great for posters and other projects, but they are just not right for window glass. Buy the wrong paint and you will be sorry. Please, save yourself the trouble and use the Blick Art Brand. I promise you will not regret it. These paints are reasonably priced and the leftover paint will keep for a long time. |
Question 2:
Can you use acrylic paint when painting windows?
Can you use acrylic paint when painting windows?
Acrylics may be used if a polyurethane base is used prior to adding color details. This topic will be covered in a future addition to The Complete Holiday Window Paint Collection. In short, script your outline for the images and details you would like to add to your holiday design or painting. Fill in the base and background with the plain polyurethane then add the colors a bit at a time when this is dry.
The painting face or front will not look the same as the rear view, keep this in mind. It is a great alternative to Tempera in areas that have frequent storms or high humidity levels. Enamel is the only paint that is completely waterproof, but it is a difficult medium to work with and it is expensive. Acrylic paints peel off easily with a squirt of water and a sharp razor blade.
The painting face or front will not look the same as the rear view, keep this in mind. It is a great alternative to Tempera in areas that have frequent storms or high humidity levels. Enamel is the only paint that is completely waterproof, but it is a difficult medium to work with and it is expensive. Acrylic paints peel off easily with a squirt of water and a sharp razor blade.
Because of the work I do, I must charge a minimum for residential and for commercial properties. I have over thirty year of experience in the field. I do not work cheap, but I am fair with what my fees are. My time is money and I need to work on my designs and set the window up correctly. Quite often a window painting on a storefront will take me over four hours from clean up in the beginning to signing my signature upon completion.
The minimums vary on the size of the store but my average rates are between $15 to $45 per hour. Lettering artists generally charge by the minute, so keep that in mind when selling your artwork.
The minimums vary on the size of the store but my average rates are between $15 to $45 per hour. Lettering artists generally charge by the minute, so keep that in mind when selling your artwork.
Question 3:
What kind of brushes do you use?
What kind of brushes do you use?
I use a variety of brushes and tools when I paint. I will cover that topic on the next page and describe why I use each one.
<read more>
<read more>