I swear, lately, my kitchen looks like a Science lab
for crafters that is.
Today, I am sharing painting on Glass with Gesso and Rit dye
my first experiment with such.
You know my last three experiments with Rit dye and Mod podge went well….so well,
that you will be seeing a lot more from me.
Rit has asked me to create more for them:)
I am pretty excited about that.
Painting a vase with Mod podge and rit dye
Painting candle sticks with mod podge and rit dye
Faux staining a window with Mod podge and rit dye
Gesso… What else I am experimenting with.
GESSO!
I have seen it used many times by my blogging friend Rosemary
from Villabarnes.
This is what I researched about it to share with you the history of:
Gesso is an important art supply to get your canvas ready for painting. You can buy gesso readymade from any art supply shop. {I bought mine at Walmart where the Mod podge was sold}. Gesso is very similar to white acrylic paint, only thinner. It dries hard, making the surface more stiff. Gesso prepares (or “primes”) the surface for painting, making the surface slightly textured and ready to accept acrylic paint. Without gesso, the paint would soak into the weave of the canvas.
The word gesso is a noun, but many artists also use it as a verb. For example: “You need to gesso your canvas before you paint.”
The beauty of gesso is that you can apply it to nearly any surface, and then you can paint on that surface with acrylic paint. For example, you can apply a layer or two of gesso to vinyl records, rubber duckies, or cigar boxes, and voila – you can now paint on that object with acrylics!
What fun.
The possibilities are endless!
Notice, they never mention glass?
{All info was found on Art is fun}
I am trying it on glass as you see.
Here is a step by step:
It was easy, really easy!
Paint your glass with Gesso first and let dry for about 30-45 minutes.
It takes longer on glass.
I added a little texture by simply patting the glass lightly with my artist brush.
This of course was before it dried.
Now the fun part.
I painted on the vase with Evening blue Rit dye.
I just added a little bit to a measuring cup, dipped my brush and started painting.
I started at the top, because I wanted it to drip down slightly to add a cooler effect
I use a garbage bag under my surface that way I do not
get a mess all over our kitchen table.
Here you can see all the variations of texture between the brush, and the dripping.
To touch, it actually has a rougher texture, almost like gritty and sandy,
slightly though.
Of course a little embellishing
and bam
you’re done.
I bought the vase at Walmart for a few bucks.
hard to believe that was just a plain ole clear vase right?
The Gesso was not expensive either and I will use it for a ton more projects.
LOVE it!
and what I learned today about Gesso…you can paint on top of it with Rit dye!
Not only acrylics on glass that is:)
Thanks for stopping by today.
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Check out more of my fun projects!
Such a cute idea! I’ve pinned it for future reference. 🙂
Awesome, Debbie! I’ve always wanted to try using Gesso! I predict even more huge things for you, lady!! Your experimenting is awesome!!!~~Angela
Thank you Angela:) You are too kind. I am still jealous of your coffee bar btw.
That is super cute! It would go well with my Americana themed living room and even my cobalt blue glass in my kitchen.
Thanks for the shout out Debbie. Now you know why I love working with gesso. Love the color you used, and, congrats again on working with Rit. xoxoRosemary
It looks almost like a denim texture. Cool!
Very cute! I like the texture.
Good idea, Debbie….You are always thinking…Using dye could be messy, but you make it look OK to use…….
Love it Debbie! You’re so creative! I was thinking today that it was over 4 years ago that I started blogging and you were my first comment…I’ll never forget how sweet and supportive you were. My blog is still super tiny but I appreciate that you still take time out to visit me:) Big hugs and I hope your precious boys are doing well!
Awww..thanks Victoria…I remember that too. So long ago and here we are still blogging. It’s been great getting to follow along your journey.
It looks like pottery! I am in awe that you come up with all of these clever ideas!
Wow ! This vase looks great !! So much texture and character ! Thank you for sharing the tutorial. I am inspired ! Have to give it a go !
Naush
Dubai
It looks so cool and like a blue jean vase. I would have loved it for a table I set a while back with a denim blue color.
Debbie, it looks like you are having fun, I have used Rit dye and Gesso, just not together…Genius!
Carol
That is so cool!! Could this be done on a coffee cup or any drinking glass?
Is this washable? when you do the mod podge do you use the outdoor to make it water resistant? Love the idea just wondering how it stands up if water runs down it when filling?
I would imagine, yes the outdoor mod podge would work perfect. I did wind up spraying poly on it to protect it.
Love your idea! I will be using it in the future. Thx
Hi Debbie, this experiment is so beautiful. I love how you style it. Thanks for sharing!
I saved my glass patio door because I am….nuts? I need a BIG calendar so I was thinking “can I paint the back with a can of gesso I have and write on the other side with dry marker? so I looked up “can you paint on glass with gesso?” and up poped You! Thanks I am going to try it. Today is my sons first day of High school and I need something to do!
Thanks!
Awesome…let me know how it turns out!!
How many coats of Gesso did you use? I used the same sponge brush that you show and mine has not come out textured looking like yours. Am I doing something wrong?
I did two coats, and I pat the sponge on the glass to create the texture. Make sure it is dry before you apply the rit dye.
This is amazing, and so beautiful! Do you paint the inside of the glass vase as well, or just the outside and the rim?
Just the outside Erin. Thank you.