---
title: "Genius! DIY Faux Stained Glass"
description: "Making your own stained glass is easier than you thought."
date: "2014-09-29"
modified: "2018-07-22"
authors:
  - name: "justpaintitblog.com"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/justpaintitblog-com.md"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/diy-faux-stained-glass/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Easy DIY Projects"
  - "Exterior"
  - "Windows"
---

# Genius! DIY Faux Stained Glass

![DIY Faux Stained Glass](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/diy-faux-stained-glass.jpg>)

*There's something about the nostalgic and timeless beauty of stained glass... but genuine stained glass comes with a hefty price tag. So, innovative DIYers like Colleen from [Just Paint It](<https://justpaintitblog.com/>) are making their own—and so can you!*

*Colleen's a self described self-taught artist. "Years ago I was a display designer in a large craft store. Faux finishes were just coming into vogue and there were no glazes or tools locally available in California." That was pre-Internet, which means Colleen got really creative with new craft products to create different effects. Eventually her love for the craft took her inside people's homes, painting faux finishes and murals.*

*But for this paint lover, not all paint is equal. For home decor projects, she favors chalk paint and for artwork, watercolors. "I'm new to both of them and I absolutely love them. Chalk paint is incredibly forgiving and watercolors give a 'painterly' look with very little experience or effort." She says she stays away from crackle finish, though. "I can't think of one time I've had success with it."*

*If you tackle this or any other paint project, here's Colleen's advice: "First and foremost—it's only paint! If something doesn't turn out, just paint over it and start over. Also, we are our own worst critics. Give yourself a break and some time to get the hang of a technique or new product."*

*So with that in mind, here's how to make your own faux stained glass!*

**MATERIALS**
- Glass surface (I used a thrift store frame)
- Rubbing alcohol and cotton
- Pattern
- Glass stain leading
- Utility knife
- Glass stains (clear, yellow, orange, red, brown, and green)
- Toothpicks
- Paper towels
- Small paintbrush
- Painter's tape (optional)

![Materials to Make DIY Faux Stained Glass](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/materials-faux-stained-glass.jpg>)

You can use anything for a pattern, or [my fall leaves](<https://justpaintitblog.com/2012/08/make-a-faux-stained-glass-window-with-decoart-2/>), if you like. All you need is an outline. Or you could use stencils.

**STEP 1**
Thoroughly clean the glass with rubbing alcohol and allow to dry. While it’s drying, mark off the borders. I used the cardboard that came in the frame, created the borders and transferred the leaves.

![Faux stained glass steps](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/faux-stain-glass-steps.jpg>)

**STEP 2**
Pour your glass stain leading. Think about real stained glass—it’s a bunch of pieces of glass that are soldered together. So you want to create that effect with your leading and “solder” the glass into the frame. Leading takes about 6-8 hours to fully dry.

![Faux Stained Glass Leading](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/faux-stain-glass-leading.jpg>)

I had some goopy clumps. No worries, ok? Just allow the leading to completely dry and then remove any clumps with your utility knife.

I missed a spot here and there. Again, no worries. Just come back with your leading and fill it in.

**STEP 3**
Next, mix and pour your colors. It’s so easy! Just squirt a little brown, then a little yellow, take a toothpick and swirl it all together. So much fun!

Couple of tips: “Pull” the colors to the leading with your toothpick. As the paint dries it shrinks a bit, so you want to make sure you’ve completely filled the space in with color.

I found it more comfortable to work in smaller portions, rather than filling in an entire leaf.

![Faux Stained Glass Mixing Colors](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/faux-stain-glass-mixing-colors.jpg>)

*Thanks for sharing, Colleen! To use Colleen's pattern to make your own faux stained glass window or to watch her video tutorial to get started, check out [her website](<https://justpaintitblog.com/2012/08/make-a-faux-stained-glass-window-with-decoart-2/>).*