GIVE YOUR WINDOWS

  A STAINED-GLASS LOOK

 This is one of my two living room windows that I painted.

YOU CAN DO THIS!
If you've ever wanted stained-glass windows, but just didn't think you could afford the expense, there is a way to get that look. And the best part is that it is inexpensive and fairly easy to accomplish. The final result is very convincingly similar to actual stained-glass windows.

GET THE CORRECT PAINTS  (Note: These are not acrylic paints.)
The materials I am referring to in order to attain the stained-glass look are readily available in craft stores and online. They are produced by various manufactures under names such as Gallery Glass, Pebeo, Rainbow Glass and others. I am most familiar with Gallery Glass (manufactured by Plaid) so when I refer to it, be aware that any brand of transparent glass paint will probably work. Just be sure to read the label.

NO TALENT NEEDED!
These paints come in a great variety of colors, and of course you can mix them also to get the perfect shade you want. They are so much fun and easy to work with.   No talent needed!

LEADING PAINT!
To get the leading effect, you can purchase a thick paint made specifically for this purpose. It comes in three colors: black, silver, and gold. The label on the container states that it is simulated leading liquid.   I've had best results with the Gallery Glass brand. However, you may prefer another brand.

Using the leading paint is the hardest part of the project - at least for me. If you prefer something simpler to use, Plaid (Gallery Glass) manufactures pre-made adhesive-back imitation leading strips. You just stick these to your window following the outline of your pattern. Using these pre-made strips is an easier way to get started, but turns out to be much more expensive than using the liquid leading. My first project was French doors with 15 panels in each door. It was quite an intricate design and required a lot of leading. One thing to be aware of when working with the pre-made leading is that you have to apply your design directly to the window. In my case, I taped the pattern to the outside of my window to show through to the inside of the glass. I then filled in the colors of the design on the glass between the leading by squeezing the desired colors from the container directly onto the glass window panes.

Shortly after that, I decided to try the liquid leading. There is a certain technique to this, and you may have to practice a little! (Let me warn you - if you do very much of this your hand will ache! But you'll love the results!) The advantage of this method is that you do not have to work directly on the window. You can place your pattern under a special plastic sheet for this purpose, and you can then work on your counter or table top and follow the pattern.

You must hold the tip of the leading above your surface 1 - 2 inches, being sure not to touch the surface. Allow the leading to slowly flow down as you move your hand slowly, and with a little practice, it will go right where you want it to go. (As I said, it takes a little practice to get the hang of this.) When the leading is dry, fill in the areas within your leading with your colors. When completely dry (next day), peel the whole design off and stick it on your window where you want it. If you stick it one place and do not like it there, feel it off and stick it somewhere else until it suits you. After you have applied all your pieces, fill in the surrounding areas with clear or opaque white (or any color you might like.)

CUT-GLASS LOOK
For a real 'cut-glass' look, Plaid has molds available in a number of designs and shapes. Just fill them with the Gallery Glass paint and allow to dry before removing them from the molds. You'll be surprised at the effect this adds to your windows.

If this is all new to you, be sure to read my page on "Important Tips for Applying Stained-Glass Paints." Good luck with your projects!
To locate the supplies you need for this project,  visit my page:  "Supplies for Stained-Glass  Look."