How To Create Stunning DIY Stained Glass Windows With Elmers Glue

Mitch Couch
by Mitch Couch
4 Materials

Are you looking to add a touch of creativity and color to your living space? Making your very own DIY stained glass window is a fantastic way to achieve this!


In today's project, I'll teach you how to transform an ordinary window into a captivating work of art by making an Elmer's glue window tint with acrylic paint.


This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.

Let's get started with this exciting painted window project!

Step-by-step guide to creating DIY stained glass windows

Materials You'll Need:

  • Skinny roll of tape
  • Clear Elmer's glue containers
  • Acrylic paint in your choice of colors
  • Foam brush
  • A bigger bottle for transferring glue
  • Plate or piece of cardboard
Clean your windows both inside and outside

1. Prepare Your Workspace

Begin by selecting an outside window as your canvas and giving it a good clean inside and outside.

Use painter's tape to create a pattern on your window

Next, grab your painter's tape and start applying it to your window.


You can choose to follow the existing grid pattern on the window or go for a more random, artistic approach by applying the tape at different angles.

Window art project with Elmer's glue and acrylic paint

2. Prepare the Glue

Transfer some of the clear glue from each bottle into another container to make room in the bottle for when we shake it to create the mixture.

Decant the clear glue into a larger container

Once done, it's time to mix the glue and paint together.

Add a different colored paint to each Elmers clear glue container

Shake it vigorously until you achieve a consistent mixture.

DIY window tint glue

Feel free to experiment with different colors to match your preferences.

How to paint a decorative window using glue and paint

3. Apply the Mixture

Now, take your foam brush and gently apply the glue-paint mixture to the window. Don't worry if you accidentally touch the tape; it will actually help you achieve crisp lines when you remove it later.

Acrylic paint on windows

Be artistic and cover as much of the window as you desire, playing with colors and grids for a unique look.

Painting stained glass window art with multiple colors

4. Multiple Coats

Remember, the paint may appear lighter than expected on the first application. For a bolder effect, apply multiple coats as needed, letting each layer dry.


The great news is that the glue and paint dry quickly, allowing you to add new coats within an hour.

Gently score between the paint and tape

5. Removing the Tape

Once your masterpiece has dried overnight, it's time for the big reveal. Use a knife to gently score the area next to the tape, making sure not to scratch the window.


The glue will naturally separate from the tape. If the tape starts to pull on your colors or the glue, simply score it a bit more.

Carefully remove the painter's tape from the window

Carefully peel off the tape, and your stained glass window will emerge beautifully.


Explore another decorative window painting craft

For another great glass painting tutorial check out this Faux Stained Glass Window project.

Creating vibrant stained glass effects on your windows

DIY Stained Glass Window Tutorial

Your vibrant stained glass window is now ready to shine!


When the afternoon sun hits your window, it will illuminate your room with a stunning array of colors.


Ready to start your window decor with glue and paint?


Share your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below!

Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 21 questions
  • Jill Farrell Jill Farrell on Dec 31, 2023
    Is the paint 🎨 removable from the window?
  • Teresa Ross Teresa Ross on Jan 09, 2024
    How long does this last? Did the colors fade over time? It's an interesting idea but I have seven cats and don't see this lasting for very long. All my windows have something in front of them so it would be impossible to keep them out of the window while it dried or scratching at it if a bug got in and was in the window. It is a clever idea though!
  • Gene Gene on Jan 15, 2024
    Could you use the newer brightly colored food coloring instead of paint?
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