Painting on Surfaces

How to Paint on Glass with Acrylic Paints?Transform glass objects step by step. Give vases, glasses, and candle holders a new lease on life.Read more →

Painting on Surfaces: Fabric Paints, Glass Paints, Ceramic Paints, and Paints for Wood

Painting on surfaces opens up a world of creative possibilities. Decorate T-shirts, vases, mugs, wooden boxes, or stones. At ARTMiE, you’ll find 260+ specialty paints and supplies from trusted brands Pebeo, KREUL, Pentart, and DARWI. Each surface calls for a different type of paint, and we’ll help you choose the right one.

Compare Paints by Surface

What Will You Find in This Category?

• Fabric paints – paints for T-shirts, bags, canvas, silk, and leather from Pebeo, KREUL JAVANA, Pentart, and Amsterdam
• Glass paints – transparent and opaque paints for glass surfaces, stained glass, and candle holders
• Ceramic paints – paints for mugs, plates, and ceramic decorations that can be set in the oven
• Painting on fabric – a complete selection for fabric projects, including batik and tie-dye
• Painting on glass and porcelain – paints, liners, and mediums for decorating glass and porcelain objects

How to Get Started Painting on Surfaces

1. Choose a surface – fabric, glass, ceramic, or wood. Each material requires a different type of paint
2. Prepare the surface – it must be clean and free of grease. Wash glass and ceramic with dish soap, and wash fabric without fabric softener
3. Choose the right paint – use fabric paints on fabric and glass paints on glass. Regular acrylic paints won’t adhere to these surfaces
4. Paint and set – once dry, set the paint according to the manufacturer’s instructions (by ironing, firing, or applying varnish)

Why Shop for Surface Paints at ARTMiE?

• Wide selection – paints, mediums, and supplies for all types of surfaces
• Trusted brands – Pebeo, KREUL, Pentart, DARWI, Amsterdam
• Paints for every surface – fabric, glass, ceramic, porcelain, wood, stone, and metal
• Professional setting – all paints are washable and durable when set correctly
• Inspiration on our blog – guides to painting on glass and a painted handbag

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting on Surfaces

What are the best paints for fabric?

For fabric, we recommend specialty fabric paints, Pebeo Setacolor (for light and dark fabrics) or KREUL JAVANA. After heat-setting with an iron, they can be washed at 40 °C. Regular acrylic paints do not work on fabric, they peel after washing.

Can I paint on glass with acrylic paints?

Yes, but only with special glass paints. Regular acrylic paint peels right off smooth glass. Use Pebeo Vitrail (transparent, stained-glass effect) or KREUL Glass & Tile (opaque). Read our complete guide to painting on glass.

How do you set paint on ceramics?

Ceramic paints are set by firing in a regular kitchen oven, usually at 150–160 °C for 30 minutes. After firing, the paints are resistant to washing, including in the dishwasher. Let the paint dry completely before firing (at least 24 hours).

Can you paint on wood without a primer?

For unfinished wood, we recommend applying a primer or gesso first. The paint will absorb better, and the result will be more even. For a painted or varnished surface, just sand it lightly and paint directly with Pentart chalk paints.