Adding transparent foils to our collection has opened the door to so many fun projects that weren't possible with traditional metallic transfer foils—and decorating clear glass plates is one of our favorites!
Transparent foils are unique because the design can be seen from both the carrier side and the transfer side. When applied to the underside of a clear glass plate, the beautiful pattern remains visible through the glass and can be enjoyed from the top.
This particular project is only achievable with our transparent foils. Traditional metallic and regular transfer foils will not create the same effect because the back of the transferred design does not look the same as the front.
Let’s get started!
Supplies You’ll Need
- Clear glass plate
- 91% isopropyl alcohol
- ArtsSyVille Foil Adhesive
- Your favorite transparent transfer foil
- Paintbrush
- Plastic-bristle scrub brush
- APS Flexible Topcoat
- Epoxy for additional protection, if desired
Step 1: Choose Your Glass Plate
Clear glass plates from Dollar Tree are perfect for this project and are typically only $1.25 each.
If you cannot find them at your local store, check the Dollar Tree website to see whether they are available to order online.
Choose plates that are smooth and clear, so the transparent foil design can be easily seen through the glass.
Step 2: Clean the Plate
Remove the price sticker from the underside of the plate, along with any remaining adhesive residue.
Clean the underside thoroughly with 91% isopropyl alcohol. This removes dust, dirt, oils, and fingerprints that could prevent the foil adhesive from bonding properly.
Once the plate is clean and dry, try not to touch the underside with your fingers.
Important: All products for this project should be applied to the underside of the plate—not the surface where food will be placed.
Step 3: Apply ArtsSyVille Foil Adhesive
Apply an even layer of ArtsSyVille Foil Adhesive to the entire underside of the plate.
The adhesive can be applied using one of our APS brushes.
Allow the adhesive to dry overnight for the best results. This gives it enough time to dry to a firm tack and bond securely to the glass.
The adhesive will change from milky white to clear as it dries.
Step 4: Choose a Transparent Foil
Now comes the fun part—choosing your foil!
Select one of our transparent foil designs that will complement the look you want to create.
Remember, this technique will only work properly with a transparent foil. Regular metallic and traditional transfer foils will not show the same finished design through the top of the glass.
Step 5: Transfer the Foil
Lay the transparent foil over the adhesive-covered underside of the plate with the transfer side facing the adhesive.
Using a plastic-bristle scrub brush, firmly scrub the foil to transfer the design onto the glass.
Work in small sections, especially around the curved areas of the plate.
After scrubbing an area, gently lift the carrier sheet to check the transfer. If you think more of the design can be released, lay the foil back down and scrub the area again.
Continue this process until the entire underside of the plate has been covered with the foil design.
Step 6: Seal the Foil
Once the foil has been transferred, it must be sealed to help protect the design.
You can apply a protective layer of:
- Any of our Topcoats
For the most durable finish, you may also apply a very thin layer of epoxy by hand after the initial sealer has dried completely.
Always apply your protective products to the decorated underside of the plate.
Care Instructions
Even after sealing, these decorative plates are not dishwasher safe.
To protect the foil design:
- Hand wash only
- Do not soak the plate
- Avoid abrasive scrubbers
- Handle the decorated underside carefully
- Do not place the plate in the microwave or dishwasher
Gently wash the top surface and carefully clean the underside as needed.
Ways to Use Your Foiled Glass Plates
Because the entire decorative process is completed on the underside of the plate, the beautiful foil design can be seen through the glass without being applied directly to the eating surface.
These plates can be used in so many creative ways:
- Dinner or dessert plates
- Serving plates
- Cookie and baked-goods trays
- Hostess gifts
- Holiday table décor
- Decorative plate displays
- Wall art
- Craft room or studio décor
- Add homemade cookies, wrap the plate in cellophane, and you have a beautiful handmade gift that is both creative and useful.
I’m even planning to hang a few of mine on the studio wall!
Create Something Beautiful with Transparent Foils
Transparent foils give us an entirely new way to decorate glass. Since the design remains visible through the plate, you can create a professional-looking finish while keeping all of the decorative products on the underside.
With an inexpensive glass plate, ArtsSyVille Foil Adhesive, and your favorite transparent foil, you can create something truly one of a kind.
We would love to see what you make! Share your finished plates in our Foil Everything Facebook community or tag Artistic Painting Studio on social media so we can celebrate your creativity.
