a paint question

I found a "how to" article for aspiring window painters:

To accomplish your mission, you'll need fast-drying, powdered tempera (water-based) paints, which will usually cost less than $2.50 for a one-pound jar or can. (Don't settle for the tiny, expensive containers of premixed liquid tempera ... and, of course, never use any oil-based paint, because?-while it does withstand sleet, snow, and rain?-your customers won't be pleased when they attempt to remove it.)

Purchase a variety of colors ... red, green, black, yellow, white, and blue . . . at least. For painting on glass, you'll have to dilute the powder more than the directions indicate, as too thick a consistency will crack and peel when it dries. Still, if the mix is too thin, the paint will run . . . so you'll want to experiment at home until you get it right. And you can make the mixing job easier if you first put the powder through a flour sifter to get out all the lumps. (Some people even use a blender to stir up large batches of tempera and water.)

Empty plastic margarine or whipped-topping bowls make good paint containers. The snap-on lids prevent colors from drying out overnight, and you won't have to empty and clean them every day. Tempera, however, does have a tendency to thicken as you use it, so carry a jug of water with you for thinning the mixture.

Begin your pane painting by drawing the design's outline with a grease or glass-marking pencil, since?-if you need to make a correction?-it's a lot easier and neater to rub off a thin line than a big streak of unwanted, half-dried paint. (Incidentally, provided the window is well shielded from rain or snow, I find it easier to paint on the outside than on the inside of the glass .. . but, again, practicing at home will enable you to work either way.)

For applying the colors, I recommend sponge brushes (which are available at paint and hardware stores), because they are inexpensive, can be purchased in a variety of sizes, and are easy to clean. To draw very fine lines, though, you might want to try using a small watercolor brush.

Finally, you'll need a stepladder. (A sturdy box might do if you're not reaching too high.)

And that's about all the start-up information that's necessary. By this time next year, you'll probably be able to give me a few pointers on this cash-producing, creative endeavor!

http://www.motherearthnews.com/library/1981_November_December/A_Holiday_Artist

Good luck!

You've posed the eternal hardware store question: How can I make something permanent, be kind of temporary or something temporary last as long as possible.

Almost any paint will stick to glass, (clean glass, that is) and will come off with a razor blade scraper. I assume they want you to do their logo and some marketing solgans. Use acrylic latexs if you want an easier removal, use oil-based artist paints for a more permanent, but not eternal, work.


Hey, and make sure that the windows haven't been pre-tinted with something that will scrape off with the paint....

Joe(hey, can you paint on the inside of the windows or does it look funny)Nation