Glass Painting on Mirrors

by Rabia
(Karachi, Pakistan)

I am interested in mirror glass painting, but I don't know much about it. Can you help me by telling me something about the type of glass paints to use, and any other thing that would give a good effect?
Thank You.

Milly's answer:
Thanks for your question Rabia. Because of the metallic backing on mirrors, you won't be able to fire any colours on permanently, you'll have to use what are called 'cold' paints. This means that they're simply painted on at room temperature and left to set. If you tried hard, you could scratch them off - but why would you do that?! They're perfectly ok for mirrors, although you might have to watch out for condensation in a bathroom situation.
You can buy the paints in a whole range of colours, both transparent and opaque. They're widely available from stained glass suppliers or craft stores. I've used the Pebeo Vitrail range very successfully before. Some people use black paint to create shapes first, and then fill them with different colours, but you don't have to do this if you don't like the idea of black 'outlines' for each shape.
What else? Have a look at my page on Glass Etching Stencils - they're very effective on mirrors, or you could learn How To Make Stained Glass and make fantastic coloured glass borders for your mirrors - the real thing!
I hope that gives you some ideas to be getting on with.


To find out more about how to make stained glass, click here and return to the Everything Stained Glass home page.