Paint can liven up old, unused windows.
Windows aren't exactly designed for painting. The slick surface of glass creates adhesion problems for most acrylic paints. Of course, there are circumstances in which an old window just needs to be covered with paint. The good news is that special primer exists specifically for glass and other slick surfaces. Whether for privacy issues or as part of an art project, the right prep work makes it possible for anybody to paint old windows with acrylic paint.
Instructions
1. Clean the surface with trisodium phosphate (TSP). TSP removes oil and grease from windows, but unlike chemical-based glass cleaners it doesn't leave behind any residue that could react with acrylic paint.
2. Dry the glass surface with a clean rag, or wait for it to air dry after cleaning.
3. Tape the edges of the old window with painter's masking tape. Painter's tape is necessary only if you're painting the window's frame a different color. If you want to paint on both the window and the window frame, you don't need to worry about protective tape.
4. Apply bonding primer to the window using a synthetic-bristle paintbrush. Bonding primer made specifically for slick glass and ceramic surfaces. Without bonding primer, you can't paint directly on a window's surface. Bonding primer is sold for both oil and latex paints. Since acrylic-resin paints are usually water-based or latex-based, you want to use a bonding primer marketed for use with latex paints. Wait 24 hours for the primer to fully set.
5. Paint the window with acrylic paint. Use a synthetic-bristle brush if your paint contains an eggshell or flat finish. Use a foam brush for acrylic paints with hi-gloss or semi-gloss finishes.
6. Remove the painter's tape after the acrylic paint has dried for 24 hours. Though the paint will be dry to the touch in an hour or two, it won't set for an entire day. Early tape removal leads to sloppier-looking edges.
