DIY Project

Paint · Mother's Day · Adults

Faux stained glass panel

A thrifted picture frame turned into a glowing stained glass panel with liquid leading and glass paint.

Faux stained glass panel
LevelBeginner
Time1 1/2 hours plus 2 days drying
Cost$15 to $25

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

Tools

How to make it

  1. Step 1: Clean the glass
    1

    Clean the glass

    Take the glass out of the frame and clean both sides. Paint won't stick to fingerprints.

  2. Step 2: Tape the pattern under
    2

    Tape the pattern under

    Tape your printed design face up under the glass so you can see it through.

  3. Step 3: Trace the lines
    3

    Trace the lines

    Squeeze the leading along each line in a steady bead. Touch the tip down at corners so lines connect with no gaps.

  4. Step 4: Let the lines dry
    4

    Let the lines dry

    Leave it flat for 8 hours. Paint leaks into the next cell through any gap.

  5. Step 5: Fill the cells
    5

    Fill the cells

    Squeeze glass paint into each cell, pushing it to the edges with a toothpick. Pop bubbles as you go.

  6. Step 6: Dry flat and frame
    6

    Dry flat and frame

    Leave it flat for 2 days until clear. Put it back in the frame without the backing and set it in a sunny window.

Edie's tip

Fill a cell completely while it's wet. Going back over a half-dry cell leaves streaks.

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