How to start painting glass with Pebeo Vitrail paints – a complete guide for beginners

How to start painting glass with Pebeo Vitrail paints – a complete guide for beginners

Glass painting is one of the most impressive decorative arts. Its main element is light — when light passes through transparent colors, the glossy effect comes to life and gives any surface a special character. That is why Pebeo Vitrail paints are one of the most popular products for decorating glass, plexiglass, acetate and other transparent materials.

Below, we will introduce you to a step-by-step guide that will help beginners start the glass painting process correctly and significantly improve its final result.

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What is Vitrail paint?

Pebeo Vitrail is a transparent, glossy, solvent-based paint that dries to a glossy, stained-glass effect.
Its main features are:

Intense color

Transparency

Glossy surface

Special shine in the light

High durability after drying

Vitrail colors are not used on food contact surfaces and are intended for decorative purposes only.

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Step 1 — Surface preparation

The quality of glass painting largely depends on proper surface preparation.

1. Clean the glass with a special glass cleaner.

2. Then clean the surface with alcohol or acetone — this removes grease, fingerprints, and dust.

3. Make sure the surface is completely dry and clean.

➡ This stage is necessary because Vitrail paint adheres perfectly only to a cleaned and degreased surface.

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Step 2 — Creating Contours (Cerne Relief)

To achieve the stained glass effect, special contours are required — Cerne Relief, which are applied directly from the tube.

Using the contour:
-Helps you apply shapes and ornaments,
-Does not allow paint to mix with each other,
-Creates a true stained glass line.

Apply the contour from the tube as if you were drawing with a pencil — then wait for it to dry completely (about 1 hour).

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Step 3 — Applying colors

Pebeo Vitrail paints are applied with a brush or in a drip technique called the "bath technique".

Brush application:

Use a fine, soft brush.

Apply the color slowly, without over-staining the surface.

You can add layers if necessary, but only after complete drying.

Bath Technique:

Used for coloring small shapes.

The color blends beautifully and creates natural transitions within.

The drying time of Vitrail paints is approximately 6–8 hours, with full hardening taking up to 48 hours.

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Step 4 — Choosing colors: which tone will work for what

The Pebeo Vitrail collection features transparent and intense colors — Blanc, Bleu Profond, Cramoisi, Corail, Noir, Vert Aqua and many more.

Quick guide:

• Blanc (Transparent White) — for creating a bright effect, for light details.
• Bleu Profond (Deep Blue) — for creating depth, nautical themes, and dark elements.
• Cramoisi (Crimson) — an intense red tone that shines exceptionally brightly in the light.
• Noir (Black) — Ideal for contrast, framing, and sharp detail.
• Corail (Coral) — a warm, bright tone for decorative accents.
• Vert Foncé (Dark Green) — for natural, deep elements.

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Step 5 — Brush Care

Use:

White Spirit

Or Odourless Mineral Spirit

Then rinse the brush in warm soapy water.

This is necessary because Vitrail paint does not dissolve in water.

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Common mistakes in beginners

Insufficient surface cleaning

Applying a very thick layer

Mixing colors without drying

Improper brush care

Excess contour

Avoiding these mistakes significantly improves the final result.

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3 easy projects you can try at home

1) Small stained glass for a window
Use Noir contour + Deep Blue + White.

2) Lamp glass decor
Small lamps look amazing in bright colors (Corail, Vert Aqua).

3) Decorative glass plate
For walls or shelves — bath technique with abstract artwork.

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Conclusion: Why should you use Pebeo Vitrail?

High transparency

Rich colors

Easy to apply

Unique light effect

European quality (Made in France)

These paints transform any glass surface into decorative art.

👉 See the full collection of Vitrail paints on Lumino.ge:
https://lumino.ge/collections/vitrajis-sagebavi