Can Acrylic Paint Be Used on Glass Windows?

A glass window's primary use is for the transparency it provides. In other words, people want light -- or the sun's warmth -- to filter in through their glass windows, typically. But painting a glass window can make it more colorful. However, using paints, such as opaque acrylic paint, prevents light from entering through your glass window surface.

Acrylic paint can be applied to your glass windows with a paint brush. Use a natural-haired brush for smoother coverage and more paint on your glass window. Use a sponge for the best coverage and even application of glass paint, according to Michaels. Glass should be cleaned prior to painting. Glass cleaner and rubbing alcohol can both be used for this purpose, but glass cleaners are typically more costly to use.

For windows that endure a lot of heat and sunlight throughout the year, an acrylic paint that has baked-on capability is helpful, making the glass more durable. This type of acrylic paint is generally used for dishware painting, because it can withstand high temperatures found in dishwashers or microwaves. However, it can be used on glass, too. Some types of this acrylic paint, such as Liquitex Glossies, can be both air-dried or baked onto objects, making it a good paint to purchase, for use with glass windows as well as other objects.

Acrylic paints are not all created equal, with some paints requiring undercoats or overcoats in addition to the paint coat itself. Read instructions prior to purchase and painting to ensure you have all needed paint coating materials. Due to the fact that glass is non-porous in nature, it doesn't absorb the paint, paint used to coat your glass window should only be needed to cover the surface completely once. Glass paint price will vary based upon product and quantity needed, with acrylic transparent paints ranging from $2.49 for a 2 oz. bottle to glossy paints ranging approximately $2.87 for the same quantity.

Use acrylic opaque paint on your glass windows if you want to block light from entering them. You can add color to a room and a certain amount of privacy by painting glass windows with opaque acrylic paint colors. Paint your windows with a resin-based paint, which is transparent, if you want color but also want light to pass through the window.