How to Apply Glitter on Glass the Easy Way

Are you ready to apply glitter on glass? I have a super easy method for you below and I am answering your questions about other methods as well. You can use this method on a ton of different craft projects, however, I am making a glitter candy dish. I am wrapping this one up as a hostess gift but you can definitely use your imagination here. Have some clear glass? Give this method of applying glitter to your surface a try!

Trying a wood project instead? Try our post on making glitter stick to wood!

This post was first published on November 8, 2013, however, I am republishing with more information.

Glitter on Glass

Adding glitter to glass can be a stunning way to create crafts for any time of the year but I am especially drawn to glitter for Christmas crafting. I love adding sparkly accents to my holiday decor and, in this case, gifts I give during the holidays as well.

Supplies needed:

NOTE: These are the supplies needed for the method I am going to demonstrate below. I will also talk about some other methods further down in this post.

• Glitter paint good for glass (I am using Glamour Dust but I also like Extreme Glitter.)
• Regular craft paint good for glass (should match in color to the glitter paint)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paintbrush
• Glass surface

How to Put Glitter on Glass

This method is my favorite, however, it is also easy and less messy than more traditional methods. That definitely makes it a winner in my book. You want to start with glass that is clean and dry. I like to clean my glass with rubbing alcohol and allow to dry before starting. Please remember to NOT TOUCH the glass after you clean it. The oils from your hands can affect the paint adhesion.

You can put the paint on the outside or the inside of your glass. I tend to like the look on the inside better. If you are putting paint on the inside of the glass, start with the glitter paint coats. If you are putting paint on the outside of the glass, start with the regular paint instead.

Here I am adding my first coat of glitter paint to the inside of this simple glass bowl. Remember this method will work on any clear glass surface. Don’t have clear glass? Pick a glitter paint in the same color as your glass and apply to the outside of your surface instead.

Depending on the glitter paint that you use, you will need several coats of paint. The photo below is after just one coat. You don’t want to be able to see through the glass at the end and you want a REALLY good coat of glitter.

Depending on the brand of paint you use and the color, you may need 2 to 4 coats of just the glitter paint. Apply each coat, allow to dry, then apply another coat. Remember to read all instructions on the bottle of paint to ensure you are following those completely. You want to just barely be able to see through the glass once you have applied your last coat of glitter paint.

Then you can start adding coats of the solid color paint inside of your project. This will REALLY make the glitter pop and your project look professional. I find that 1 to 2 coats of this paint is enough depending on the brand and color of paint. Again, be sure to allow to dry in between coats and follow all directions on the package.

To finish your project, you will want to read on your paint bottles if baking is required. Some paints for glass require baking after application to make them permanent. Other brands do not have the same requirement. If yours does, just add to your oven and bake for the recommended time and the recommended temperature.

In this case, I finished off the project with some candy in a bag and some washi tape. This makes a great hostess gift for any holiday parties you may be attending.

Other Ways to Apply Glitter to Glass

You may be asking yourself why I used glitter paint here instead of regular loose glitter. I do find the paint method above easy and less messy, however, you can definitely use regular glitter instead. Here are a few tutorials for you to try:

• I used decoupage and loose glitter inside of a glass mason jar here.
• You can also use glitter and decoupage on the outside of a painted glass vase like the one here.
• You can also try a chunky glitter paint for an entirely different look. I used it on a tumbler here.

So weigh your options carefully but definitely try adding glitter on glass. I think you will love the results for the holidays or any time of the year!

Glitter Glass Craft Instructions

You can also print the instructions for applying glitter on glass using the card below!

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

How to Put Glitter on Glass

These easy instructions are perfect for glass glitter crafts that can be made in minutes!

Print Project Pin Project Rate Project

Supplies

• Glitter paint good for glass I am using Glamour Dust but I also like Extreme Glitter.
• Regular craft paint good for glass (should match in color to the glitter paint)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paintbrush
• Glass surface

Instructions

• This method is my favorite, however, it is also easy and less messy than more traditional methods. That definitely makes it a winner in my book. You want to start with glass that is clean and dry. I like to clean my glass with rubbing alcohol and allow to dry before starting. Please remember to NOT TOUCH the glass after you clean it. The oils from your hands can affect the paint adhesion.
• You can put the paint on the outside or the inside of your glass. I tend to like the look on the inside better. If you are putting paint on the inside of the glass, start with the glitter paint coats. If you are putting paint on the outside of the glass, start with the regular paint instead.
• Here I am adding my first coat of glitter paint to the inside of this simple glass bowl. Remember this method will work on any clear glass surface. Don’t have clear glass? Pick a glitter paint in the same color as your glass and apply to the outside of your surface instead.
• Depending on the glitter paint that you use, you will need several coats of paint. The photo below is after just one coat. You don’t want to be able to see through the glass at the end and you want a REALLY good coat of glitter.
• Depending on the brand of paint you use and the color, you may need 2 to 4 coats of just the glitter paint. Apply each coat, allow to dry, then apply another coat. Remember to read all instructions on the bottle of paint to ensure you are following those completely. You want to just barely be able to see through the glass once you have applied your last coat of glitter paint.
• Then you can start adding coats of the solid color paint inside of your project. This will REALLY make the glitter pop and your project look professional. I find that 1 to 2 coats of this paint is enough depending on the brand and color of paint. Again, be sure to allow to dry in between coats and follow all directions on the package.
• To finish your project, you will want to read on your paint bottles if baking is required. Some paints for glass require baking after application to make them permanent. Other brands do not have the same requirement. If yours does, just add to your oven and bake for the recommended time and the recommended temperature.
• In this case, I finished off the project with some candy in a bag and some washi tape. This makes a great hostess gift for any holiday parties you may be attending.

Tried this project?tag us to show off your work!