FAQ’s
What kind of glass is used for back painted glass backsplashes?
The industry standard type of glass used for back painted glass backsplash applications is “Low Iron Glass” also known as “Starphire Glass”. This glass is used for back painted glass because of its optically clear properties unlike regular glass (regular glass gives a green tint effect that distorts the back painted color). The Industry standard thickness for colored glass backsplash applications is 1/4″ or 6mm.
What kind of glass is used for back painted glass counter tops?
The industry standard type of glass used for back painted glass counter top applications is “Low Iron Glass” also known as “Starphire Glass”. This glass is used for back painted glass because of its optically clear properties unlike regular glass (regular glass gives a green tint effect that distorts the back painted color). The Industry standard thickness for colored glass counter top applications is 3/4″ or 19mm.
Is back painted glass tempered?
Generally back painted glass is not tempered (just like glass mirror). Tempered back painted glass is only recommended if the glass will be subject to fast temperature fluctuations like behind a stove or cook top, as well as in front of a fire place etc… If your application requires tempered glass, the glass must be tempered before painting.
How do I clean glass before painting it?
Thoroughly scrub glass surface with isopropyl rubbing alcohol and #000 steel wool. Next, clean glass surface with isopropyl rubbing alcohol and clean paper towels until dry. Make sure glass surface has a squeaky clean feel/sound while being wiped dry.
How do I apply Glassprimer™ Glass Paint with a spray gun?
Spraying is the best application method. It is best to use an HVLP spray gun with a tip size of 1.5-2.0 mm. Spray paint with 40-120 psi. Spray 3-4 coats onto glass waiting at least 5 minutes in between each coat. We recommend thinning paint 15% (1 part) with conventional acetone when spraying.
*note: some bright colors require more coats to reach full opacity.
How do I apply Glassprimer™ Glass Paint with a roller?
It is best to use a mohair roller to prevent roller hair/lint shedding. Use a roller to your desired size. Roll 3-4 coats onto the glass waiting 20-30 minutes in between each coat. We do not recommend thinning for rolling.
How do I remove Glass Paint over spray on glass?
If you get over spray on the glaze side or edges of your glass there is no need to worry. Cleaning the over spray off the glass is as simple as taking #000 steel wool and polishing off the over spray once it is dry. For removing larger build up of paint, or a large area of light over spray, it is ideal to first use acetone and paper towels to clean off the over spray. To get ride of thick areas of paint, use single edge razor blades and follow with #000 steel wool scrubbing.
How do I remove imperfections in backpainted glass?
Sometimes glass is not completely cleaned, small insects, or debris in the air can get on the glass surface while you are back painting the glass. The best solution to removing these types of imperfections is to wait until the paint has cured. Once it has cured it is best to take 120 grit sand paper and gently sand through the paint where the imperfections exist. (don’t worry if the glass surface gets a little obscured by the sand paper) Once the imperfection is removed, clean the bare glass area with rubbing alcohol and clean paper towels. Now you can re-paint those areas with a spray gun, brush or finger paint. (paint color tone might seem lighted when the paint is wet. Once dry, the color will usually blend perfectly)
How do I totally remove Glass Paint from glass?
(Glassprimer™ glass paint can only be removed up to 1 week after paint is applied) To remove or “strip” glassprimer™ glass paint from the glass surface, lay the glass flat with the painted surface facing up, pour or spray conventional polyurethane paint stripper all over the painted glass surface and let stand for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes you will notice the paint actually will start jumping off of the glass surface! wash the paint off with water (pressure water hose works well) and repeat if necessary. After most paint is removed, clean the glass surface with a de-greaser and sponge. Take single edge razor blades and remove the excess glass paint from the glass surface if necessary. Now the glass can be re-cleaned with rubbing alcohol and re-painted with Glassprimer™ glass paint.
How do I clean Glass Paint from my paint gun and tools?
We recommend acetone, a cloth and small brushes to clean out your paint gun canister. Spray acetone through the paint gun for 30-60 seconds after the gun is clean. Repeat several times if necessary. Sometimes it is good to disassemble the paint gun and clean all of the internal parts with acetone, and/or let stand in a cup of acetone for several hours.
How do I install finished backpainted glass?
The industry standard for installing back-painted glass is to install it exactly the same way you would install a mirror. Mirro mastic, neutral cure silicone glue and/or double sided glazers tape can be used to install back painted glass. Most GE Silicone II series silicone glues are neutral cure. Even though acetoxy cure silicone glues have had no negative effect on Glassprimer™ back painted glass in adhesive compatibility testing, we still do not recommend the use of acetoxy cure silicone glues.
What is “neutral cure silicone glue” ?
Neutral (meaning neutral alkoxy) silicone sealants release alcohol as they cure, and has almost no smell. This type of silicone glue is also referred to as “acid free silicone glue”. This is recommended for use with back painted glass.
What is “acetoxy cure silicone glue” ?
Acetoxy silicone sealants release acetic acid (which smells a little like vinegar) as they cure. Acetoxy silicones can discolor the silvering on mirror. This is not recommended for use with back painted glass or mirror.