NOTES ON
OUTLINING AND GLASS PAINTING

By Doreen Scerri

If you have never used outliners or glass paints
before here are a few instructions which might
help you in your projects.

To start outlining: Always make sure the surface
you are working on is dust free.  Clean glass by
washing in warm water, dry with a clean  teatowel
making sure the object is lint and dust-free.
Alternatively, you can clean object by wiping with
a soft cloth dampened with a little white spirit.
For practise use acetate sheets. Touch tip (nozzle)
of your outliner to your project, holding the tube
as you would almost hold a pen tilting it slightly
for a better flow.

Work slowly and steadily when you are outlining.  
Make sure you have enough elbow space and work
in a clean, well-lighted place.  Remember, when
you squeeze the tube the liner will flow so you
have to keep moving, otherwise you will get
blotches of liner in your work.  Do not panic.  Lift
off any excess with a toothpick.

Larger areas can be cleaned off with a tissue
dampened with water.  If you want to correct any
liner that has dried you can use a blunt knife to
gently scrape off liner.  You can also hide a
mistake by making it part of your design.


It is important to keep the nozzle free of paint
so you should frequently wipe the tip with tissue
while you are working.  If the tip becomes
clogged, insert a pin into opening to unclog.

Before attempting any project it is better to
practice on acetate (plastic) sheets.  Try  
different shapes in different sizes and in a
continuous pattern without lifting the nozzle as
much as possible:

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When you are outlining a straight line, use the
‘touch, lift and pull’ technique.  This means that
you touch the nozzle to the surface you are
outlining and as you gently squeeze, you lift the
nozzle and pull the liner gently in the direction of
your design letting it fall in place without touching
the surface.  Do not give up - you will soon feel
more confident.


COPYING A DESIGN FOR GLASS PAINTING
                                                

Choose your design, one that is suitable for
outlining and glass painting.  If you are a
beginner, start with a simple design ex. a flower
or a butterfly or even a freehand design.

Copy your chosen design by either tracing the
outline or by copying the design onto paper using
carbon paper then, transfer your copied design,
again using carbon paper, onto the glass surface
you will be outlining.

Another method, which in many cases is easier, is
to put your copied design inside your jar or glass
container or on the reversed side of the flat piece
of glass you will be decorating.  Tape in place  
with masking tape and outline your design with
your outliner. Remove the copied design when the
outliner is dry.



Using Glasspaints

Make sure your outliner is dry before painting with
your glass paints.  As a beginner you can start
with the basic colours, yellow, blue and red.  
Later, you can mix these to make other colours.
Use a palette or a shallow plastic container to mix
colours.  Always keep your jars and lids clean and
do not dip dirty brushes into your jars.

Stir paint well with a toothpick before use.  Either
load brush directly from jar, or transfer a little
paint to your palette.  With your brush, drop paint
into an area you wish to colour and carefully
spread it out to outlined edges.  Take care not to
go over the outlines, if possible.  If you do, wipe
off with the tip of a paper towel.  You can use
smaller brushes for small areas or corners. Avoid
streaks or brush marks and do not paint over an
area that has started to dry – it will clog.  As you
work, take care not to put your fingers in the wet
paint!

Brushes used for Glass painting can be cleaned
with a little white spirit in a glass (not plastic) jar
or in a foil dish. Whenever you use white spirit
make sure you are working in a well-ventilated
room. Wash and dry brushes frequently giving
them a final clean and re-shape on finishing your
project.

Note: there are now also water-based glass
paints on the market. These, of course, should be
cleaned off with water only.

If you are working on a big area, work out
beforehand the best way to go about your
painting.  You might find it easier to work
outwards from your centre design or you could turn
your pattern/acetate as you go along to avoid
having to work at an uncomfortable angle.  This
precaution will avoid smudges in your work.  
Planning the sequence of your outlining will also
help you avoid unnecessary joins in your work.


Enjoy and remember “Practice makes Perfect.”