Painted glass plates offer a great way to add charm and a personal flair to your next dinner party.
Why not serve hors d'oeuvres on plates with designs that match the appetizers' exciting tastes? If you're looking to try something creative, a glass painting project may satisfy your artistic thirst, and the best place to start is with everyday dinnerware.
Getting Supplies Before you get started you'll want to pop into your local art supply store and pick up some of the basics.
You'll need brushes, paint and some rubbing alcohol.
Any type of artist brush will do, but be sure to get some small ones for the finer details of your creation.
Rubbing alcohol is needed to prepare the surface of the plate.
When it comes to paint, you'll have a lot of choices.
The best option is thermohardening paint, which gets baked in the oven to create a durable surface.
For items that will be handled and washed, this is a far better choice than air-hardening paints.
You may also need stencils, masking tape and a sponge.
Craft stores sell glass painting kits that come with many of these items, including stencil designs for you to trace.
Stencils are great for the less artistically inclined.
Try picking out designs and paints that match your kitchen or dining room colors and decor.
This adds that little extra touch that your guests will surely notice.
Painting the Plates Remember the first rule of glass painting projects: Make sure you wash and dry your plate before you start painting.
It's also a good idea to go over it with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove any extra dirt or oil.
If you are using a stencil, place it on a flat surface and place the plate over it.
You can use tape to hold the stencil in place.
Trace the lines with colors of your choice.
Don't be afraid to stray from the pattern either.
Adding a flower here, or some dots there, really adds your own little touch to the piece.
If you don't like what you added, you can always dab it away with a sponge and some paint thinner.
It's best to start with a simple design that uses a few colors.
For example, a lobster painted in red and black in the center of a plate is far easier to tackle than an elaborate border design.
Use a single, thin coat of each color for the best results.
It takes practice to understand how paint flows on a glass surface, so keep a sponge handy to mop up any stray paint.
Once the design's done, bake the plate in an oven according to the directions on the paint label.
Don't mix paints from different manufacturers or different lines, as they often won't adhere properly if they're mixed.
Once the paint has heated for the right amount of time, allow the plate to cool in the oven.
When it's back to room temperature, rinse it in the sink and it's ready to be the center of attention at your next gathering.
To care for painted plates, wash them by hand with mild detergent.
Don't use scouring pads or steel wool on hand-painted plates, and don't put them in the dishwasher.
Too much scrubbing or water pressure can damage your designs.