Thread: Anyone ever try painting on acrylic gemstones?

I'm thinking of hand painting designs, on acrylic gemstones with vitrea glass paint.
Then set them in the Sun, to let them 'bake'.

I wouldn't put them in the oven because they might melt, or give off dangerous fumes (don't know).

The manufacterer didn't think it would hurt to use their glass paint on plastic, but it won't be water proof without the baking (I inquired about using their paint for a headdress I have).
I'm hoping the Sun will bake it enough (I live in Florida).

Anyone else ever try this? Is there a better paint for what I have in mind?

Would glass paint actually bond to plastic?

Surely acrylic paint would work on acrylic stones?

I have used acrylic paint on acrylic stones. For a funky and fun Halloween costume I painted spiders, skulls and snakes on huge acrylic stones. Rather than placing them outdoors in the sun I placed them on cardboard and positioned it on the dash of my car. Kept dust, leaves, possible rain and such from being a concern. Plus the paint dried much faster. I also coated some of the stones with glitter nail polish.

If you have glue-on stones I was successful drilling holes in them with a Dremmel (sp?), hand drill. I had to devise a brace to keep the stones from flying across the room. I nailed two thin pieces of wood to a flat board in an "L" shape. I placed the stones in the corner for stability. When starting the process I found it wise to use one or two stones to practice the technique. I drilled the holes prior to painting the stones. That way I could place the stones on the cardboard using "T" pins for painting and drying. It was my experience that small stones are tough to drill.

Originally Posted by Azhia

Would glass paint actually bond to plastic?

I haven't tried it yet, but a spokesperson from Vitrea thought it would work, but I can't wash the garment, because the paint will wash off.
I'll try it this week. I'm thinking Zebra stripes across some of the large stones (like your paillettes), or spiders, and adding an AB finish to the darker stones. :-)

Originally Posted by zumarrad

Surely acrylic paint would work on acrylic stones?

I want to add an AB or irridescent finish (like the gold over paint on beads), but still see the color of the stone through it.
I haven't seen that color in acrylic. But I don't get out much to look. Do they make acrylic sheer enough?

Originally Posted by txchic

I have used acrylic paint on acrylic stones. For a funky and fun Halloween costume I painted spiders, skulls and snakes on huge acrylic stones. Rather than placing them outdoors in the sun I placed them on cardboard and positioned it on the dash of my car. Kept dust, leaves, possible rain and such from being a concern. Plus the paint dried much faster. I also coated some of the stones with glitter nail polish.

If you have glue-on stones I was successful drilling holes in them with a Dremmel (sp?), hand drill. I had to devise a brace to keep the stones from flying across the room. I nailed two thin pieces of wood to a flat board in an "L" shape. I placed the stones in the corner for stability. When starting the process I found it wise to use one or two stones to practice the technique. I drilled the holes prior to painting the stones. That way I could place the stones on the cardboard using "T" pins for painting and drying. It was my experience that small stones are tough to drill.

Yep, I was thinking car dashboard myself! :-)
I'm worried about the smell though.
I'm also thinking of putting them on aluminum foiled trays, with a screen over them to prevent bugs, and debris.

Did you oil the drill blade or stone when you drilled the hole?

Try Folk Art brand. paints the glitter ones are sheer enough. I use them for other projects(drys in about 3 hours) and they to me have the best color selection and work best than all the others and inexpensive. Acrylic paint really doesn't smell only when it goes bad. If anything stains soap and water will get it out. Check your local Michael's, Hobby Lobby,AC Moore stores (there are least one of these in your area) They also carry sew on acrylic jewels as well to save time on making holes.
I hope it helps good luck with your project.

Alrana