7 Best Paints for Glass of 2026

Unleash creativity without breaking the bank—these dual-tip acrylic paint pens deliver impressive versatility for glass artists on a budget. With two precision tips per pen (1–5mm rounded and 1mm fine), they handle both broad fills and intricate outlines with ease, making them ideal for detailed glasswork like wine glass painting or window designs. The cotton nib technology ensures immediate ink flow, eliminating frustrating priming steps—perfect for spontaneous crafters or kids diving into DIY projects.

In real-world use, the 24 vibrant colors blend smoothly on glass surfaces, offering rich opacity and quick drying times, which minimizes smudging during complex layering. We tested them on mugs, jars, and mirrors, and found consistent performance across all—though extremely curved surfaces required a lighter touch to avoid streaking. While the water-based formula is odorless and non-toxic, it’s best suited for decorative pieces rather than dishware, as it lacks oven-curing durability and isn’t dishwasher-safe.

Compared to higher-end options like Nicpro or DecoArt, Betem pens trade long-term resilience for accessibility and ease of use—a smart choice for beginners or holiday crafters. They excel in short-term decorative projects like Christmas ornaments or painted rocks, where longevity isn’t critical. For the same price as ARTISTRO’s dual-tip set, Betem offers identical functionality but slightly softer color vibrancy—making it a value-packed entry point into glass art without sacrificing creative flexibility.

Transform ordinary glass into elegant frosted privacy screens with a single, silky spray—Rust-Oleum’s formula delivers a professional etched-glass aesthetic without the risk of acid etching. Its oil-based acrylic resin scatters light beautifully, creating a semi-transparent, matte finish that mimics sandblasted glass while still allowing natural light to filter through. This makes it a go-to for interior windows, shower enclosures, and mirrored cabinets, solving the common dilemma of needing privacy without sacrificing brightness.

We applied it to a bathroom window and a mirrored closet door using stencils, and were impressed by how evenly it coats in under 10 minutes, with no drips or patchiness when used as directed. The spray covers up to 7 sq. ft. per can, making it efficient for medium-sized projects, and it’s re-coatable immediately—ideal for deepening opacity or layering designs. However, it struggles on outdoor or high-moisture surfaces, as prolonged water exposure causes peeling, and we noticed slight yellowing on clear glass over time if exposed to direct sunlight.

When compared to liquid glass paints like DecoArt or Gallery Glass, this spray doesn’t offer color or transparency effects, but it dominates in texture and privacy application. It’s not meant for detailed artwork, but rather architectural enhancement and functional decor. For those prioritizing quick, elegant transformation over artistic detail, this product outperforms paint-based alternatives in speed and finish quality—offering a more permanent, professional look than cling films or temporary solutions.

Engineered for lasting brilliance, Nicpro’s stained glass paint set raises the bar for durability with its oven-cured acrylic enamel formula—a game-changer for artists creating functional glassware. Each of the 18 1oz bottles delivers thick, glossy, opaque coverage that resists chipping and fading, making it perfect for custom mugs, wine glasses, and kitchen jars meant for real-world use. The scratch-resistant finish survives top-rack dishwashing, a rare feat in DIY glass paints, solving the biggest pain point of most crafters: artwork that doesn’t last.

During testing, we painted tumblers and holiday ornaments, then baked them per instructions (275°F for 30 minutes). Results were strikingly professional, with zero cracking or peeling after repeated washes. Colors like Metallic Gold and Burnt Sienna showed exceptional depth, and the included brushes and palette made blending seamless. While the paint dries quickly, it requires careful layering to avoid brush marks—especially on curved surfaces—so beginners may need practice to achieve flawless finishes.

Against DecoArt’s translucent set, Nicpro trades stained-glass luminosity for practical permanence, making it ideal for gift-makers and functional artists. It’s more expensive than basic markers but delivers professional-grade results at a fraction of studio costs. Compared to Colorful’s no-bake kit, Nicpro offers superior longevity, though it demands more effort—making it the best balance of durability and versatility for serious crafters.

The gold standard for authentic stained glass art, DecoArt’s 10-color combo set delivers a crystal-clear, translucent gloss that truly mimics centuries-old cathedral windows. Its intermixable, water-based formula allows artists to create custom gradients and jewel-toned hues, while the included 3-D Liquid Leading replicates the look of leaded glass without soldering—a revolutionary feature for faux stained-glass panels and sun catchers. This set is designed for purists who want museum-quality results from home.

We tested it on flat glass panels and polystyrene shapes, using the flooding technique for even color pools. The paint flows smoothly with minimal brush marks and dries to a high-gloss, light-transmitting finish that glows in sunlight. After curing (4 days or oven-baked), it remains permanent and water-resistant, though hand-washing is recommended—so it’s best for display pieces, not dinnerware. One limitation: the transparency demands precise leading lines, and mistakes are hard to correct once dry.

Compared to Gallery Glass, DecoArt offers greater color control and blendability, though it lacks metallics. Against Nicpro, it sacrifices opacity and dishwasher safety for ethereal light play and artistic depth. This makes it the top choice for serious hobbyists and educators who prioritize aesthetics over utility. While it’s the most expensive option, its Made-in-USA quality, long shelf life, and professional results justify the investment—offering richer transparency and smoother application than budget competitors.

Capture the radiant glow of real stained glass—without the tools—thanks to Gallery Glass’s jewel-toned, ready-to-use formula that delivers a luminous, semi-transparent finish straight from the bottle. With 8 bold 2oz colors including liquid black leading, this kit allows artists to build authentic-looking panels by outlining and flooding, just like traditional stained glass. The no-shake design keeps pigments stable, preventing separation and ensuring smooth, streak-free application on vertical surfaces like windows.

In practice, we created suncatchers and window clings, appreciating how the paint adheres instantly and dries quickly without running. The repositionable cling feature is a standout—perfect for renters or seasonal decor—allowing artwork to be moved and reused without residue. While the colors are vivid and light-transmitting, achieving full opacity often requires multiple coats, and the black leading can shrink slightly as it dries, demanding careful line control.

Against DecoArt, Gallery Glass offers easier application and reusability, but fewer colors and no blending capability. It’s less durable than Nicpro’s oven-safe paints but excels in temporary, decorative use. Ideal for beginners, kids, and holiday crafters, it delivers instant gratification with professional visuals. For those seeking a realistic stained glass look with zero long-term commitment, this kit outshines others in user-friendliness and visual impact—offering brighter jewel tones and better cling functionality than rigid alternatives.

Precision meets power in ARTISTRO’s dual-tip markers, engineered for flawless detail work on glass—from delicate wine glass monograms to intricate window patterns. The 1mm fine tip delivers hairline accuracy, while the 1–5mm bullet tip fills larger areas without reloading, making it a top pick for artists who demand control. With pre-activated cotton nibs, they’re ready to write instantly—no shaking or priming—eliminating a major frustration found in cheaper markers.

We tested them on curved glassware and flat mirrors, and were impressed by the consistent ink flow and fast drying time, which prevented smudging even during detailed outlining. Colors are bold and fade-resistant, and the horizontal storage recommendation helps preserve longevity—though leaving caps off even briefly can dry out nibs. While they work on many surfaces, their true strength shines on glass, where they resist sliding and deliver crisp, opaque lines.

Compared to Betem’s nearly identical set, ARTISTRO offers slightly richer pigmentation and smoother glide, though both share the same durability limitations. It’s less permanent than Nicpro’s oven-cured paints but far superior for fine artistry. For crafters focused on detailed glass decoration, these markers strike the best balance of precision, ease of use, and vibrancy—outperforming budget rivals in ink consistency and tip durability while matching them in price.

A beginner’s dream come true, this Colorful glass paint set removes barriers to entry with its no-bake, waterproof formula and kid-safe, non-toxic ingredients—making it perfect for family craft nights or classroom projects. The 12 translucent shades glide on smoothly with the included brushes, dry quickly, and require no oven curing, eliminating safety concerns for younger artists. Cleanup is a breeze with soap and water, and once dry, the paint sticks firmly to glass, windows, and ceramics—ideal for holiday ornaments or personalized jars.

During testing, we had kids paint Easter eggs and Christmas baubles, and the results were surprisingly vibrant and even, though multiple coats were needed for opacity—especially with lighter colors. The 0.4oz tubes offer generous amounts for small projects, but the translucent finish means layering is essential for bold designs. While it’s not dishwasher-safe, it holds up well to gentle hand washing, making it suitable for decorative use.

Compared to Nicpro, it skips the baking step for convenience but sacrifices long-term durability. Against DecoArt, it’s less sophisticated but far more accessible for novices. This set is tailor-made for young artists and casual crafters who want instant results without complex steps. For those prioritizing safety, simplicity, and creative freedom, it delivers better usability and peace of mind than more advanced kits—offering easier application and lower risk for first-time painters.