Hello everyone. I am painting a glass vase & I wonder what the best method for a smooth finish is? I primed the glass with a good primer, and now am applying a high gloss acrylic latex paint over. I am using a foam roller, as I worried that a brush would leave streaks. I don’t have a sprayer, which I am believing would create the smoothest finish. What do you think? Brush or roller for the smoothest finish?
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What?!?
Hi Uncle Dunc, I'm not sure if something in my post wasn't clear for you? You're reply doesn't really provide much value.
He understands, he's just in a state of shock.
An airbrush with compressor would be smooth and provide great accuracy. Then again, I s'pose you could dunk the vase in a vat of latex and let dry, if you take the low-rent approach.
reply doesn't really provide much value
He's probably double-clutching where I am, when you posted that you used a primer on your glass vase, and were wanting to know which roller to use for the finish coat.
I'm still trying to picture a glass vase big enough to use even a stubby 4" roller on (let alone the "why"). This is not sarcasm, it's more incerdulity, ok? (If it's not a vase, the answers may be more "on topic" in other words.)
Now, the technical answer is that you want as smooth a roller (typically) as the finish and the surface. So, one of the old suede or felt rollers would seem ideal--haven't seen any in dogs' years, though. As another poster said, I'd be inclined to get out an airbrush, especially for a fine gloss coat.
Are you using a "glass" paint?Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Thanks for the suggestions folks, those are very helpful and I will give it a try. Just for some added clarity (as requested), it is a large, clear glass vase, measuring approx. 3 feet tall with a 1 foot diameter. It is a decorative feature, hence the desire to paint it.
I'd make a call to a ceramic shop for advice.
They might have a durable paint they could bake on there for a nominal price..Eenie,weenie...chili-beanie
Can't you just BUY a different colored vase?!?!
If the vase is clear, then paint the inside. That will leave a smooth finish.
A brush or roller will not guarantee a smooth finish. The leveling capability of the paint determines how smooth the finish will be.
It might be a bit more expensive, but if you don't have access to an airbrush, how about buying cans of spray paint? It's very easy to achieve a smooth finish. The only snag I can see is finding the right color.
-Don
I am a glass artist - as far as I know, latex won't adhere to glass w/ any reliability. There are special paints used on glass that have to be fired to stick. Doing a vessel as large as the one you are doing is a real chore, and expensive. Google for "pebeo" for a low fired glass paint - about 325 deg F - can be done in your kitchen oven, and is durable. An outfit named Eastman Corp out of CA has a line of glass paints that do not have to be fired - but they are not as durable as I think you want.
Good luck!
Don
Pay no attention to the Philistine responses. Many of the folks here are construction types who don't understand art. They mean well.
Someone slap that boner up the side of the head.<G>Eenie,weenie...chili-beanie