Make Your Own Faux Stained Glass

Windows of genuine stained glass can be absolutely gorgeous but they are prohibitively expensive. Even if you purchase the premade faux stained glass cover sheets, get ready to spend a tidy sum. Why not do it yourself? It does not cost a lot of money or take a lot time for you to make your own faux stained glass.
To make faux stained glass you need not be especially creative or even a handy arts and crafts person to come up with some really pleasing and inexpensive faux stained glass creations. What you will need to start is the following list of materials.

• Plain glass
• Tracing paper
• Clear contact paper
• Scissors
• Permanent type black marking pen
• Acrylic arts and crafts paint in the colors you plan to use
• Clear acrylic varnish
• Pencil
• Narrow to fine point paint brush
• Stencils for the designs you want to use

As to stencils, you can find them in craft stores or online. You can even make children’s coloring books’ into useable stencils. With tracing paper, you can convert many things, such as wallpaper, wrapping paper or even packaging materials into a workable stencil. After you select your choice, simply trace it and then transfer the trace to a heavier paper stock. Then cut out the desired shapes and you are ready to start.

First, after your stencils are done you will need to take your clear contact paper and place it, vinyl side down, on the glass. With the pencil, mark the correct dimensions and then cut it to fit the glass.

Second, either draw or trace the design on the paper backed side of the contact paper. Turn the contact paper over and fill in the design with at least two coats of paint, being sure to allow it to completely dry between coats. Don’t forget to leave a uniform border between each shape.

Then, fill in the borders with the black permanent marker, sometimes two or more applications. When the black marker dries, coat it with clear acrylic varnish and let it completely dry.

After the paint has dried, outline the colored shapes with a permanent black marker to add to the realism of the faux stained glass window covering. After the marker has dried, coat the faux stained glass window covering with clear acrylic varnish, and set it aside to dry.

Last, be sure the glass is clean and dry. Then, peel the paper backing from the top of the contact paper and place it in the correct position. Finally, carefully peel the rest of the backing. being careful to smooth out any bubbles as you go.

It doesn’t take long or cost much. It’s actually fun to make your own faux stained glass.