Faux Stained Glass Window Covering

Stained glass is beautiful, but stained glass can be very expensive. There are adhesive sheets of faux stained glass to cover ordinary glass, but those too can be quite costly. Instead of buying genuine stained glass or expensive sheets of faux stained glass, consider making faux stained glass using clear contact paper. For the price of clear contact paper, paint, and latex varnish, you can have a beautiful stained glass window. Even if you aren’t artistically inclined, you can make a faux stained glass window covering to match any color or dÃ?©cor you desire, and best of all, this faux stained glass is easy to remove if you get tired of it.

Necessary Supplies

You’ll need enough clear contact paper to cover the window you want to decorate. You’ll also need scissors, a black permanent marker, acrylic craft paint in colors of your choice, clear acrylic varnish, a narrow paintbrush, and a pencil.

If you aren’t artistically inclined, or if don’t want to take the time to create an original picture for your faux stained glass, you’ll also need stencils. You can find ready-made stencils in craft stores, or you can make your own.

Kids coloring books are a great source for stencil graphics, or you can search online to find the graphics you want. Wallpaper samples and wrapping paper are also great patterns for homemade stencils. The options are virtually endless.

To make your own stencils, simply trace graphics of your choice, and transfer them to heavy paper or cardstock. Cut around the lines to create inexpensive stencils that are ready for making faux stained glass window coverings. Use your imagination to create a unique work of art you’ll be proud to display.

Procedure

Turn the contact paper over, and place the vinyl side against the window. The paper backing will probably have lines and measurements to simplify the cutting process. Mark the paper backing with a pencil, and cut the contact paper to the appropriate size.

Next, you’ll need to draw or trace the design you want on your faux stained glass window covering. Use a pencil to create the design, and fill the shapes in with two coats of latex craft paint. Be sure to leave even spaces between the colors, and allow the paint plenty of time to dry between coats.

After the paint has dried, outline the colored shapes with a permanent black marker to add to the realism of the faux stained glass window covering. After the marker has dried, coat the faux stained glass window covering with clear acrylic varnish, and set it aside to dry.

After the varnish has dried, carefully peel the backing from the top section of the contact paper. Stick the top portion to the window, and after it’s properly positioned, peel back the rest of the backing and smooth it into place.