I only spray the paint, b/c it’s exposed. It seals the paint itself an adds some degree of UV protection. (You’ll have to test that where you live). The layer of glass itself provides protection on the other side. It’s aggravating b/c according to the research I did, the bake-curing process (by baking a painted plate in the oven) IS supposed to “set” the pigment. HA! The only downside with using the clear spray paint is that it seems to dull un-painted glass so it’s not quite as sparkly in the sun. (the clear spray doesn’t show, but I’m extra picky b/c I sell my artwork.) So I have been masking off un-painted glass which depending, can be a tedious process. Therefore, I am also experimenting with using a clear, un-tinted exterior wood sealer which can be applied with a brush. (rather than spraying) A THIRD option: I just recently discovered a different brand of outdoor craft paint that seems to have good reviews. I’ll be writing a blog post about it soon. It’s called Arteza (acrylic) that comes in 24 fade-resistant colors. Maybe this brand will at least look better for longer? Weather is hard on everything outdoors.

If you use anything, try clear spray paint…Rust-oleum makes a good one. It comes in gloss, semi gloss and matte finishes, I believe. Product says on the can it seals and protects. I have used it on other things but not glass dish flowers. All paint eventually fades. A friend in my neighborhood got about 3 years of good color from the one I made for her before she noticed the fade. It went from a vibrant pink to a soft, pale pink. But the paint (glass enamel) was still intact and held up well. ‘Folk Art’ brand Enamel paint is probably the best paint for outdoor crafts. My next experiment is to try the clear coat and see if it helps prevent fade and give longevity to color. Even lawn furniture needs a touch up at some point.

Lori – that’s my question too. I’d think it would help but a clear varnish can also yellow over time so maybe not the best idea.

Thanks for your response! I did buy the exact paints you displayed and cleaned as recommended.Also baked per directions.I will do another try and make it thicker.
Will let you know:)

Did you use the enamel paints?(Some paints say multi-use including glass, but they are not the same as enamel) Hopefully the surface was clean and free from grease/grime/wax? That being the case, yes, if you scrape hard with your fingernail, the paint will scratch. But the paint will not otherwise come off without force being applied. It will not wash off outside from the rain. I’ve had my painted plates outside in the garden for years. Currently, I have a glass plate I’m still trying to get paint off of after several months. I just did it up real quick to get an idea of what color combos would work…so sloppy job. I set it aside when I should have washed it off right away. Months later… trying to get it off so I can start over. I let the plate sit in soapy water overnight. I used a dish scrubber and some paint came off, but not very much. (And this wasn’t baked!) It would be too tedious to use the end of a paint brush or a blade of some kind, so I’m going to look for a mild paint remover to speed the process. But just ordinary rain water won’t wash the paint off. Sure, it can get scratched like the paint on your car. But it takes some degree of force to scratch which is unlikely to happen just sitting out in the garden. Why not just do the test? Paint up your plate, bake it according to the directions on the bottle, and put it outside and see what happens. Let me know how it goes, ok?

Thank you Katy for the kind words! I always strive with each tutorial to be helpful and your feedback is much appreciated. You’re thinking of the round glass plate with the circles on it (and starburst in the center?) That starburst is a decorative votive candle holder. I find them fairly often at the thrift store in the candle section. Candle stuff makes the best dish flowers. This starburst one was plain,’frosted’glass. But you can paint on it (as I did) and the color comes through. I painted it to resemble a candle flame. If you look closely, you can see the red at the base, then orange, then yellow. Just to give it a more outrageous look to fit with the piece I was creating. Paint can DO that! So keep checking at your local thrift stores…you might be able to find it on line EBay or Amazon? I do not know the company that makes it. Try Value Village if you have one near you. I hope you find one for your next dish flower! ~ Kristen

Thanks so much!!

Katy S.