Stained glass address plaque

Hands-on time: One hour
Total time: Add drying time of one hour for each coat of acrylic paint, three hours for the varnish, and two hours for the glass paint and 48 hours for it to cure.
Skill: Moderate.
Cost estimate: Less than $25

Materials and Tools

• 8 x 10-inch (20 x 25 centimetre) unpainted flat-faced wood picture frame, with a glass centre insert
• Sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Ceramcoat acrylic paint by Delta
• Soft paintbrushes in assorted sizes
• Varnish
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paper towels
• Vitrail lead adhesive strips by Pébéo
• A ruler and scissors
• Pébéo Vitrail glass paint
• Wooden numbers (painted numbers are available in home décor stores; unpainted numbers are also available in craft and hardware stores)
• Clear silicone glue, for exterior use
• Two eye hooks and two S-shape hooks or chains (optional)

This project transforms a plain picture frame into a unique address plaque with an urban flair and the look of stained glass. Stripes are added to the glass of the frame by applying lead adhesive strips. The spaces between each lead strip are painted with transparent, weather-resistant glass paint colours. Elegant black wood numbers are added for the final touch. The result is a stylish address plaque with coloured stripes that reflect the sun.

To begin, take the frame apart and remove the backing and the glass. The backing will no longer be needed. Clean the glass surface using rubbing alcohol and paper towel. Lightly sand the entire frame surface and remove dust with a tack cloth.

Apply two coats of acrylic paint to the front, sides and at the back of the wooden frame, letting it dry between each coat. Since this item will be exposed outdoors, paint two or more coats.

Protect the wooden frame base with two to three coats of exterior varnish. Apply one coat at a time and let dry for three hours between each coat.

Measure the width of the glass insert, and cut lead strips of the same length using scissors. (I used nine in my design.) Peel the paper backing off one lead strip at a time, apply it to the glass surface, starting at the top of the glass.

Leave different width spacing between each strip. Press to secure the strips onto the glass using the pointed stick included in the lead strip packaging, or use the tip of an envelope opener. Repeat steps to apply the remaining strips.

Apply different Vitrail paint colours between the lead strips. Use one paintbrush for each colour. Dip the tip of a soft paintbrush in the glass paint and, using a long stroke, apply one paint colour at time going in one direction. Start with the stripes at the top, and work your way to the bottom. Repeat the use of each colour at least twice. Paint drippings on the lead strips can easily removed with cotton swabs.

Let the paint colours dry to the touch for one to two hours, and let them cure for 48 hours before exposing them to the outdoors.

Place the wooden numbers on the surface of the the painted wooden frame and affix them with silicone glue, and let them set. Apply glue around the inner border of the frame, place the painted glass centre over it to stick into place, and let it set. Add the necessary hardware to your plaque to suit the style and type of lamppost, and watch the stripes glow in the sun.

Tips

• Since the Vitrail paint is solvent-based, paintbrushes should be thoroughly cleaned immediately after use with Ceramic or Vitrail thinner by Pébéo, and rinsed with soapy water.
• Vitrail paints can be mixed to create unique colours that go with those of your home. Objects decorated with Vitrail colours are intended for decorative purposes only and should not be used for dishes or glassware.