How to paint the underside of glass?

[HillBilly]

I have a glass top outdoor coffee table. The base is rattan, which is perished at the top although the structure is fine. The perished rattan can be seen through the clear glass so I want to paint the underside of the glass so it can’t be seen. 

Any idea about best way forward? I’ve read that any acrylic paint will work but a lot of advice suggests I have to prime first - obviously all you would see is the primer if I prime first unless there is a clear primer.

Thoughts?

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @HillBilly,

Unfortunately, priming your glass is unavoidable because of how difficult a surface it is for paint to bond to. If you didn't use primer, your paint would come off remarkably easily.

Is there any reason you couldn't paint the top of the glass?

If so, you could just use Dulux PRECISION White Maximum Strength Adhesion Primer, then paint over the top with any paint that can be used outdoors. It would have the same effect of covering the damaged rattan without the exposed primer showing.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[HillBilly]

Thanks for your reply Jacob. No real reason for painting the underside of the glass expect I thought it would look nicer than just paining the top. Of course it would be hardier than painting the top with bits and pieces being put in the top. However, I understand it seems like my idea won’t work. Back to the drawing board. 🤓

[JacobZ]

Hi @HillBilly,

Could something like window film work?

There's a variety of designs and different colours that you could choose from. It might be a simple way of doing it.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

[HillBilly]

That sounds like a good idea. Are you thinking on top of the glass? 
Ta

[JacobZ]

Hi @HillBilly,

You could do it on either the top or the bottom. As long as you get it nice and flat, it should look good.

Check out How To Apply Window Film for some guidance.

Jacob

[HillBilly]

Fab!! Thanks. I’ll come in and have a look at colours. Thanks for the guide too. 
cheers.