How can I paint on glass?

[Spanky Deluxe]

Fairly random question, I know!

In our spare bedroom we have a built in wardrobe that's currently got mirrored sliding doors. Its not a completely clear mirror and is kind of yellowy and smokey to look at, which we don't really like. If it were just clear and simple mirrored glass then we'd be happy with it.
Since its all built in, it would cost a pretty penny to get a whole new wardrobe fitted and so I'm wondering if there's a way to paint the doors bright white with some kind of glass paint. The doors can come out pretty easily and I have the space outside to paint / spray paint them white but I don't know what kind of products to use or how to do it.

Maybe someone here happens to have a more advanced knowledge of paints and painting stuff like this? Worth a shot I thought!

 

[Schtumple]

You won't be able to use just regular paint for it obviously, as it chips off incredibly easily, apart from hideously expensive arts & crafts glass paint, you'd be better off just leaving it as it is.

 

[Lau]

I think most paint would chip off. Could you stick white vinyl to them instead? I saw a blog post recently about someone who had covered their kitchen floor with white vinyl and then drawn over it, which could look amazing on a wardrobe. I'll try and find the post.

Edit: Here it is.



Link to more pictures and blog post.

 

[robbieduncan]

Use proper glass paints. That site looks good in terms of advice and ideas...

 

[Spanky Deluxe]

Wow, that floor that Lau posted looks amazing. Are you not tempted?!

It looks like glass paints would get quite expensive, I envisaged using some kind of spray paint. Its certainly looking like a vinyl cover would beed a cheaper and better option. Can't cost too much, can it!!

Cheers guys!

 

[robbieduncan]

The other option would be to get them re-glazed with proper non-yellow mirrors (or even white glass which is a very modern look). This might not be all that expensive...

Also should you not update your location?

 

[xUKHCx]

Is the mirror backed with some wood to form the back of the door. If so you could perhaps smash the mirror/take it off. Or maybe turn the door around and paint the backing.

 

[Koodauw]

Do you have any pictures of the area so we can get a better idea? Also, that floor gives me a headache. OY.

 

[smartin684]

Is the mirror backed with some wood to form the back of the door. If so you could perhaps smash the mirror/take it off. Or maybe turn the door around and paint the backing.

I like that idea. Turning the doors around sounds like the best way to go.

 

[adk]

If you want something permanent, you could find somebody to sandblast it and give it a frosted look.

 

[LeahM]

You should just go down to your local Home Depot and ask them.

I think there is a new spray paint that sprays on a whole bunch of different surfaces.

RustOleum claims to be one of those: http://www.rustoleum.com/CBGProductFinder.asp?pfm=RST&bsq=S&bid=3

 

[robbieduncan]

You should just go down to your local Home Depot and ask them.

As shocking as this may be we don't have Home Depot in the UK B&Q are probably our closest alternative...

 

[Applespider]

Trouble with white vinyl might be avoiding the air bubbles and if a future buyer likes smoked glass, it's going to be tough to remove.

I have another suggestion for you that I'm planning on doing to my flat's door. Find some fabulous fabric that works with the rest of the decor and cover the mirrors with that. Double-sided sticky tape around the edges of the mirror and then the fabric (folded to avoid fraying) over it. Could look fabulous with the right material. And has the advantage that when you come to move on, you can restore the mirrors quite easily.

 

[7on]

I would try something acrylic based. A few coats of gesso might do the trick.

 

[Leareth]

Why not use one of those Easy-hang wallpapers ?

they are like giant stickers but not stickyness left behind

and they 'stick' to almost any surface.

and come off easily too.

 

[Sun Baked]

vinyl cover or simply applying a cheap window tint might work in you want to go from a yellow mirror to a smoky or dark black one.

 

[Lau]

Wow, that floor that Lau posted looks amazing. Are you not tempted?!

I just found this and thought of you!

 

[iGav]

Trouble with white vinyl might be avoiding the air bubbles

iGav's Tip Of The Day

Spray the surface with glass cleaner first, then stick the vinyl down, the glass cleaner allows you to reposition the vinyl, slide it around and eek out all the air bubbles, before the glass cleaner eventually dries/evaporates and leaves a pristine, bubble free surface.

Though I'm liking your fabric suggestion... I recently picked up some Arne Jacobsen fabric from a Bric-a-brac shop for pence... when it's actually worth pounds.

 

[Plymouthbreezer]

If you want it fully covered (not at all translucent), seal it with an acrylic gesso, then maybe Kilz surface primer. If those two coats held, you could paint on it with whatever medium you'd like.