Golden Dragonfly Martini Glass

Painting Instructions for Golden Dragonfly Glass

Title: Golden Dragonfly Glass

Medium: Glass Painting

Level: Beginner/Easy

Painting on glass is not much different than painting on glazed tile or porcelain. The most significant differences are pre-formed glass items are fired at lower temperatures to prevent slumping or sagging and you can use a more generous application of paint on the glass surface because glass doesn't chip like the glaze on china with heavier paint applications. Use a medium that is especially formulated for glass. There are suppliers who offer excellent choices of glass luster, glass gold and glass paint. Supplier information is listed below. If you have questions regarding these instructions please feel free to contact me via e-mail.

MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED:

GLASS PAINT
- Blue Glass Luster
- Liquid Bright Gold for Glass. Do not use Liquid Bright Gold for Ceramic or China.
OTHER SUPPLIES
- Quill Pen
- Cotton Swab (Q-Tip)
- Mineral Spirits
- Denatured Alcohol or Glass Cleaner
- Lint Free Rags--Old sheets or industrial strength blue paper towels and old t-shirts are suitable.
- Glass--Use an inexpensive glass. Do not use leaded crystal.
SUPPLIER INFORMATION
Mr. & Mrs. of Dallas, Inc.
8428 Hwy. 121 N.
Melissa, TX 75454
E-Mail: mrandmrs@texoma.net
Access their website at http://www.mrandmrsofdallas.com. Mr. and Mrs. of Dallas carries a complete line of glass painting supplies as well as china painting supplies. Call their toll-free number (800) 878-7528 to order your free catalogue.

Rynne China
222 West Eight Mile Road
Hazel Park, MI 48030
E-Mail: info@rynnechina.com
Access their website at http://www.rynnechina.com Rynne China carries a complete line of glass and china painting supplies. Call their telephone number at (248) 542-9400 or (800) 468-1987 to order your catalogue

Kathy Peterson's"the good stuff"
4939 E. 38th Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80207-1007
E-Mail: sales@thegoodstuff.com
Access their website at http://www.thegoodstuff.com Kathy Peterson carries a unique line of glass painting supplies, such as, Josephine Paints for glass and Enamel for glass. She will also answer support questions if you have purchased a product from her and need help with application instructions. Call their telephone number at (303) 377-0762 or (800) 377-6008 to order your catalogue

First Fire Instructions

Preparation:

Thoroughly clean the glass with denatured alcohol or glass cleaner. Position the pattern on the inside of the glass and use masking tape to secure in place. You are ready to paint.

First Fire Painting:

Only luster is applied on the first fire. Using the cotton swab or the Q-Tip, swab the luster in a thin layer over the area where the dragonfly pattern will be applied in gold later. Do not apply a thick layer of luster which could result in a powdery or flakey state after it is fired. If you feel the luster is not dark enough after the first firing, it is okay to re-apply and fire again. Note the blue luster appears to be yellow before firing. Reference the next photo which illustrates the luster before firing. Let the luster dry thoroughly.

Clean Up:

Remove the pattern from the inside of the glass. Carefully remove any smudges from the unpainted areas of the glass with denatured alcohol or window cleaner. Do not spray the cleaner directly on the glass. I spray window cleaner onto a paper towel or lint free cloth and then buff the glass. This prevents mishaps on the painted areas. If you splatter luster in areas you didn't intend to paint, carefully clean the area with mineral spirits using a cotton swab. When you pick up the glass and transport it to the kiln, use a clean rag or paper towel to hold the glass stem. The goal is to keep oily fingers off of the glass.

Fire:

Fire at Cone 022. Set the glass upright directly on the kiln shelf that has been treated with kiln wash. Ceramic kiln wash is okay for the 022 glass firing temperature. Glass items do not sit on kiln furniture. Every kiln has its own personality. Take notes each time you fire a piece. These notes will become invaluable information as you practice firing your artwork.

Second Fire Instructions--Liquid Bright Gold Application

Preparation:

Use the method provided in the first fire instructions to prepare and clean the glass.

Liquid Bright Gold:

Place the tracing on the inside of the glass in the approximate place of the luster. When you are satisfied tape the pattern in place with masking tape. Use the quill pen and dip it in liquid bright gold and begin tracing over your drawing. After you have finished applying the gold let the piece dry thoroughly.

Clean Up:

Use the same method as the first fire.

Fire:

Fire at cone 022. I hope you had as much fun as I did creating this piece!

Note:
If you find that there are places were the luster splattered and is fired onto the glass, you can use Whink to remove. Wear plastic gloves to protect your skin and a face mask to avoid breathing fumes. Use a Q-Tip or Cotton Swab to apply Whink on the area with the splatter and let sit a few seconds and then remove with a clean cotton swab.