Best Paint For Glass, Ceramics And Metal™

Over the years, I have received a lot of questions asking what is the best paint for glass, ceramics and metal. It’s a popular question because there are so many paints out there that just don’t glass glitter infill paint really work, stick or look all that great. Many of the specialty glass/ceramic paints are either too translucent or streak. Usually when I hear from people, they have already tried several products and were unhappy with the result.

I thought today I would answer that question by sharing an easy DIY gift idea as an example of the paints that I have used for years because it’s absolutely amazing. As you read this post, keep in mind that you can use these paints and the technique I’m showing you on virtually anything and it will stick, last forever and look gorgeous!

As we head into the holidays, if you want to paint wine glasses, ornaments, mugs or even metal signs this paint will not let you down like everything else out there. Just look at the this paint finish:

For today’s project, I just painted some colorful small square plates from Target here for fun gifts for my girlfriends to use as a ring/jewelry tray of on their desks for paper clips and other supplies. I’m also sharing a little trick for getting those pretty paint swipes for that you can do on any type of paint project.

Paint

The paint that I have used for years for glass/ceramics is an enamel (oil-based) made to use on model cars and model airplanes, which is why the finish is so beautiful. It’s available at every craft store in the model car/airplane supply section of your local craft store or you can order it here

on Amazon. It’s called Testor’s paint:

Testor’s and Model Masters are the same company and the Model Masters is just a bigger bottle. The Testor’s are glass bottles that are really small and inexpensive ($2.99) and they are the perfect amount for projects like this. Because these paints are made for model cars, they are extremely durable and the finish is very opaque and stunning. Their color selection is awesome and you can always mix colors too in a small disposable cup (like a Dixie Cup) if they do not have the color you’re looking for.

**Here is the one thing you need to know about all enamel paints- they have to dry and cure for at least 5-7 days. While the paint may be dried to the touch, all oil based enamels have to fully cure otherwise, the paint will just scratch right off. You do not have to “bake” these paints like other ceramic/glass paints, you just need to wait until the cure.

You’ll also want to pick up a larger bottle of the Testor’s enamel thinner and brush cleaner

because you cannot clean up these paints and paint mistakes with water, you’ll need a jar of paint thinner. Trust me, you’ll also need this thinner to get this paint off your hands because nothing else will work

Prep

Anytime you are going to paint glass, ceramics or metal with enamel paints, you’ll need to wipe the area you’re going to paint well with alcohol. Enamel paint will not firmly adhere to any surfaces that may have any kind of residue from natural oils from our hands to waxes and other surface residue. Once you wipe the area, it will need to completely dry.

Painting

You will need to have a paint brush or a set of brushes in different sizes that say that they can be used for enamels/stains or oil-based paints. I love to use this 3 pc.