How to paint your next window display
It’s no secret that window displays are vital for gaining new customers and increasing foot traffic in your store. When people walk by, the street-facing displays can make or break their decision to walk through the door.
As you dream up designs for upcoming window displays, consider the merits of using paint directly on the glass.
Why paint is a good option
If you decide to include paint in your window display, you’ll find there are endless ways to do so. Beyond the different types of paint out there, it’s a versatile way to add dimension to your layout. Here’s why you should give it a shot:
You can mix and match paint colors to create the shade you’re looking for. There aren’t any limits on the hues you’re able to use, which often isn’t the case with other materials such as paper and fabric.
It’s easy to wash most types of paint off of glass with water, window cleaner and a razor blade. However, The Window Woman explained that acrylic paint specifically made for windows may be permanent, so be sure to read the labels before you begin.
Don’t have time to make a sign for the store displays? Simply use a window marker to write the information on the glass. Those also come in an array of colors so you can add personal touches.
Because you can wash the paint off, it’s super simple to change your window displays. It can also be less expensive than using props, particularly for seasonal or holiday-themed designs.
Adding paint to your arsenal of display design tools means you have new opportunities to engage the community and your fans on social media. You may want to contact to local student groups to see if they’d like to paint a window. Extending the offer to a Girl Scout troop or art club is a wonderful way to show your business appreciates the community that supports it. Alternatively, reach out to people of all ages with your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram accounts. Use these platforms to organize design contests, where people submit their ideas and the winner gets to make their vision into a reality.
Tips and tricks for retailers
- Preparation: It’s important to wash the surface in advance, according to the Window Woman. You can use regular glass cleaner, but steer clear of products that say they repel dust or water, because they may repel paint as well. Be sure to thoroughly wipe the windows down so there aren’t any streaks.
- Acrylic: This is a great choice for painting on glass, especially if you’re planning on applying it to the outside of the window. Craft paint is just fine for the job.
- Tempera: Another option for window paint is tempera, although it’s more likely to peel off than acrylics. The Window Woman recommended tossing your older supplies and sticking with one brand to avoid flaky paint. You can find washable tempera, but it’s likely to be more transparent than the non-washable variety.
- Writing: In addition to window markers, dry erase markers work wonderfully on glass when you want to display words rather than images.
- Brushes: It’s nearly impossible to use paint brushes on your window and have it look streak-free when the light shines on it, WindowPainting.org explained. If you’re painting a large area, you can use a roller brush for a clean look. However, foam brushes are a great inexpensive option for smaller sections.
- Removal: The paint needs to be moist if you want it to come off easily. You can use water or glass cleaner to wet the window, then let it soak in for a minute or two. Scrape the paint off with a razor blade – it should come off fairly easily – then clean the window as usual. WindowPainting.org warned that acrylic house paint is more difficult to remove, but it’s also a possibility for window displays.
What Kind of Paint Should I Use for Holiday Window Painting?
Painting windows is a fun way to decorate for the holidays. Whether you’re painting a window of your house, a shop, or anything else, you’re going to need to know the right paints to use. The wrong paints might not look nice or could be difficult to remove from your window once the holiday is over. Two kinds of paint that will work great for windows are tempera and acrylic.
Tempera Paint
Tempera is a great option for window painting. It’s usually long-lasting and is easy to remove with water. However, tempera tends to be more susceptible to flaking than acrylic paints.
Acrylic Paint
Acrylics are relatively thick paints, which makes them a good option for beginners. They can be used either on the inside or the outside of windows but will likely last longer where they aren’t exposed to the elements.
Paints to Stay Away From
If you’re painting a window for the holidays, you’re probably intending for the paint to come off when the holiday season is over. If you use the wrong paint, it could be incredibly difficult to remove from the window. Make sure to do your research on what kinds of paints will be easy to remove before you make any purchases. Some paints might be labeled for use on glass but this doesn’t mean that they are meant to come off easily. A lot of glass paints are designed to be permanent and will cause you a lot of trouble when you try to remove them.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you start painting, you’ll want to check to make sure that you have all the right supplies. You’ll probably need more than one kind of brush to create the look you want. Think about your design before you start working. It’s a good idea to have a few basic brushes even for designs that aren’t complex. Have a wide brush and a thinner brush for flat colors and outlines. Fan brushes are great for interesting textures such as clouds, snow, and treetops. For letters, it’s best to use a long, thin brush specifically designed for lettering.
You’ll also need some basic window cleaner to make sure that the window is free of any dirt or marks. Make sure that the cleaner you use won’t make it hard for paint to stick to the window after it’s cleaned. You can use this cleaner again when you’re ready to scrape off the paint. Make sure that the paint is dampened with either the cleaner or with plain water before you attempt to remove it.
Direction of the Image
When you’re painting, also consider the direction that you want the paint to look best from. Do you want the paint to be visible to the outside? Then you’ll have to make sure to paint with the image in reverse, which will be hard if you’re not as experienced. If you want to have the paint viewed from the inside of the window, then you can paint as normal.
Jeff Sommers is a vibrant and experienced professional, having been at the helm of ESP Painting, Inc. for 27 remarkable years. As President, he has become an esteemed leader in the Commercial & Residential Construction industry in Oregon, United States. His experience has seen him gain valuable insight and knowledge, making him an invaluable asset to ESP Painting and its customers. With a bubbly personality and upbeat attitude, Jeff always looks ahead to the future as he continues his leadership journey toward success.
