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how do i hand paint on to a window help please?
Hello!
I’m new here, and I’m desperately in need of some help and guidance.
I’ve painted most things in my life, but never on glass. I have been asked if I could paint a large illustration on a shop window, and I said I would research to see what that would entail, and if I am able to do it.
What I’m looking for is a step-by-step tutorial on how to paint a large illustration on the inside of a shop window!
If anybody can help me at all, I would hugely appreciate it!
Thanks in advance,
–Vince.
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14 Replies
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There is no problem in what your trying to do Vince . first you will need to clean the inside of the glass as i am assuming that like most glass jobs all the work is done on the inside . to clean the glass i use meths .I personally fined it the "best" and its very quick drying and doesnt leave a residue .If its a design that you have done or lettering it is better to draw it out and place on the other side of the glass .Might sound obvious but make there are no marks on the glass that can be trapped between the glass and the paint !! In the oldy worldy days (oh here we go before the war !!! 😀 ) i personally would have drawn it out on the glass with china-graph pencil ….but now to save time i usually stick a pen in the plotter and draw my pounce out like that .Brushes …chisel edge sable writers thats what i use (i got mine from laird in glasgow ….or Wrights of lymm ) The paint ..i use one shot ..there is others but i fined that this is the best gear . oh and white spirit to clean your brushes out .anything else ….just ask ..happy signwriting . oh i ment to add ….you need years of practice as well 😀 😀 ps hope this is of use to you …if theres anyone else on perhaps they will fill in the blanks but thats how i do it
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You won’t go far wrong if you do as Brian says.
Might be worth asking Wrights of Lymm if they have any Intenso paint which is ideal for glass work. Keeps used to make it but they have gone out of business, I think Wrights may have their own brand.
If you draw any patterns, I use lining paper, fix them to the outside of the window and wipe them over with white spirit and this will make the paper see thru to follow your drawing .
Finally I always coat out the finished job with varnish overlapping any edges by a couple of mil to protect the paint from damage by over enthusiastic window cleaners.
So grab your brushes and give it a go, you’ll enjoy it. 😀
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well said Neil ….Dam!!! forgot to mention the varnish bit 😀 😀 normally to be honest i dont normally have to with one shot …but good point Neil
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vince heres a few numbers for your brushes etc ….laird goldbeaters glasgow……0141 637 8288…….wrights 01925 754 368……handovers . 020 7263 8670 all of which ive used at one time or another very helpfull
Regards Brian
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Cherwells also do brushes and one shot 01280 840297
Lynn
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Many, many, many thanks for all your helpful replies!
I think I can now put together a step-by-step guide, which would run like this:
1. Ensure window is spotlessly clean (use meths).
2. Attach drawing to *inside* of window
3. Trace drawing, using chinagraph pencil (or marker) to *outside* of window
4. Remove drawing from inside of window.
5. Paint outlines and detail (using One Shot Enamel with spirits to thin the paint; squirrel hair brushes)
6. Block in colour.
7. When dry, varnish.
Does that sound about right to you guys?
Thanks for your help; it’s greatly appreciated.
–Vince
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no vince ….drawing to the outside of the window
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oh sorry i jumped the gun .if its on a drawing theres no need to draw it to the window just use tracing paper …or something lite that you can see the drawing thru
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ive never really had to varnish "one shot " vince its preaty hard wearing but having said that theres no harm in doing it . Happy painting 😀
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One more thing, when a painted window is viewed from inside it can look quite untidy due to brush strokes.
There are 2 ways round this, you either stipple the paint as you go to remove the brush marks or at the end of the job, once the painting is dry, coat the whole of the painting in one colour preferably black.
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Again, a huge thank you for all your splendid help and advice!
Might I ask which size brushes I shall need to paint a very large illustration? Say 8ft by 8ft? I’m figuring I’ll need some large brushes for blocks of colour, plus some smaller brushes for fiddly detail work. But which ones? I need to place an order with Gold Leaf Supplies in Bridgend, and I’m flumoxed as to which brushes I’ll actually need!
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Say hi to Steve for me at Services Supply.
Try some 1" flats, No. 8,6,4 sable chisels and pointers. The No.4 is quite small so may want to leave that unless you have some fiddly stuff.
For larger areas try some very good quality decorators brushes or even a 4" foam roller.
Don’t forget your mahl stick.
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Have a look at some of the windows from this master of the art http://signandcustom.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/
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Thanks everybody! You’re very kind and helpful. Now I’ve just go to get on with actually painting the thing!
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