Logo on Glass

Protecting Logos from Water and Handling

I'm trying to put a logo on a glass.

I made a copy of the logo on a transparency sheet. I made it so that the logo reads correctly with the print facing out and also so that the logo reads correctly with the print between the glass and the transparency sheet.

What should I coat the transparency sheet with to keep water away from the logo when the glass is washed?

I was thinking clear nail polish but my wife said to ask you.

I think the ink is water soluble so I'm leaning toward keeping it between the glass and transparency sheet.

Thank you for your time and ideas.

I don't think it will matter which side of the transparency you print on as long as you completely coat the ink with sealant or glue.

I wouldn't use nail polish, but rather something designed to adhere and be durable on glass.

If you printed the logo using an inkjet printer, the ink is subject to bleeding.

I routinely spray my inkjet images (for decoupage) with three coats of Krylon Crystal Clear. This pre-seals the ink without disturbing it.

On the other hand, if you try to pre-seal by brushing on a water-based medium, you risk actually causing the ink to bleed with your brush strokes. Been there; done that!

You can use PVA glue (like Elmer's Glue-All) to attach the transparency.

I recommend two coats of Delta PermEnamel Glaze to seal the logo to the glass and make the edges less perceptible.

The Delta PermEnamel line of paints and glazes is designed for tile, glass and ceramic. It air-dries and is extremely durable - dishwasher, microwave and oven safe to 350 degrees. There are other brands of craft paint for tile, glass and ceramic but they need to be baked for maximum durability.

If you want to do a few more of the logo glasses, why don't you try Lazertran Inkjet Waterslide Decals

They're very easy to use. No glue required; and the film is so thin, the edges barely show even before you seal them.

I would still seal though, to protect the logo and prevent the decal from peeling off.

Read about Lazertran decals here.

Finally, if you ever decide to make many of these glasses with your logo, you need to know about dye sublimation printing.