It was one of those rare days when i was jogging down the beach in Juhu. I had gone for a stay at my aunt's place. I was already in love with the concept of huge, sliding windows, when i came across a captivating view; painting of a family lying beside the beach and having fun. This scene was painted onto the windows doors of a sea side bungalow, which looked absolutely real. I liked it so much that I had made up my mind to get a similar thing done for my living room for sure. I came back and tried searching for what is actually was....This is how I came to learn about Glass painting. It is such a popular art, that I was left wondering, "How come I don't know about it?"

Traditionally, glass painting referred to painting on glass slabs and using them in windows and other glass works. The painting usually does not cover the whole part of the window, rather it allows the artist to decide what amount of light should be allowed to come in. A combination of colored and uncolored areas can be used to produce beautiful abstracts or detailed and elaborate scenic artworks. These spectacular glass painting are produced with fired paints, enamels and stains that are fired at high temperatures. These paintings are highly resistant to the atmospheric conditions due to high temperature firing that they go through. There are literally dozens of ways to paint on glass, ranging from using traditional oil paints to using specialized glass paints that require firing with a kiln.

Major types of traditional stained glass paints, including vinegar trace paint, matt paint, silver stain, and oil based paints.

Vinegar Trace Paint
This paint, which is dark and completely blocks out the light in the areas where it is applied, is often used for figure or design lines. Vinegar trace paint must be applied wet on wet glass only, after which the paint is fired up to 1100 degrees F. the firing lends it luster and shine.

Matt paint, which uses a base of either water and gum arabic or water and vinegar, is mostly used for filling in backgrounds and adding shadows.

Silver Stain
Silver stain is called so because of the presence of silver nitrate in the stain and is generally used to add accent colors to the painting. After firing, it turns golden, not silver-colored. It actually changes the color of the glass, rather than simply covering it up with a dark line or wash.

Oil-Based Stained Glass Paints
Oil-based glass paints come in an array of colors and are easier to work with Although oil based colors may be mixed like regular oil paints, they do not always mix easily or thoroughly and sometimes fire unevenly.

Painting with glass enamels have gained popularity the last few years. The range of colors is extensive, and the ability to mix colors means that a virtually unlimited palette is available. Because glass enamels are made of tiny glass particles, care must be taken to ensure that they are compatible with the base glass being painted on.

Ever expanding styles in architecture and diverse public taste have opened unlimited expression for this already historically rich and emotive art form. Contemporary painted windows and other stand-alone glass works incorporating painting, which are not bound by architectural constraints, are virtually unlimited in the possibility of expression and masterpiece artworks. These artworks are also available as wall hangings and show pieces. Get one for your home now !

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