This is a somewhat odd and non-craftsy request, but I have about 160 glass stones, approx 2cm in diameter, 5mm in height, which I'd like to somehow blacken or darken. They are currently clear transparent with speckles.
I own a soldering iron, and have absolutely no experience with glasswork or glass staining. But I thought it was worth a try to ask here to see if this was at all possible? Due to the sheer number of stones, I would prefer to avoid performing anything involved on a stone by stone basis. Something involving... an oven :) would be preferable, if not sane.
As to the reason... I'm basically trying to make a cheap set of go stones (Go is a board game which has pieces like in checkers - all the same, 1 colour for each side). Typical go stones are here:
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'd appreciate any suggests, advice or other comments.Andy
As for getting glass blobs (for those that suggested it) it might be that Andy's pieces are uniform in size, which is important for the aesthetics and sometimes "fit" for the game (depending on the board, the stones should almost crowd each other out). The glass blobs I've seen are typically irregular, but then perhaps they sell them in a higher quality that are more regular.
The only think about sp paint is that it might chip, especially if you are whacking them like traditional go to get the nice plonking sound. (do you have a hollow board?)
If I wanted a lasting job, I'd try to scuff the glass... perhaps use a tumbler with rough grit (sand). Another option might be to use glass etching compound.
Then I'd spread the stones out close together on a dropcloth, and use a high gloss spray enamel...(maybe appliance enamel) letting the paint fall on the stones (to only paint the top). Use several light coats to keep it from dripping. Turn over and repeat if desired. (I don't think i would though...)
I'd paint the white stones in the same manner for uniformity and better visibility (assuming you have a wood toned board)
You could get a neat effect by spraying white first, and then black on the same side then they would be white opaque (through clear) on one side and black on the other.
You might want to ask the paint store if they have a primer that would be good for glass. They might also have some sort of oven cure paint that would be more durable.... Ask them, they should know what products they have.
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