Permanent paint markers are an easy, low-cost way to draw a long-lasting pattern on the outside of windows. This technique is a great option for students or community members to work together creatively to make schools and other public buildings safer for birds.
Tempera paint, acrylic, chalk markers or whitewash are equally effective but temporary, and will require re-application as they fade or wash away in the rain.
If you don’t have the skill or the nerve to draw freehand, use a stencil or hang a nice piece of fabric, wallpaper or wrapping paper behind the glass and trace the pattern. Alternatively, you can project a creative design onto the glass for volunteers to trace. Download this document for detailed instructions from a community project at the University of British Columbia.
White is an ideal colour choice not only because it provides strong contrast, but because it won’t fade in the sun.
In certain situation, it may even be an option to paint a pattern on the interior surface. But because paint on the inside is not always sufficiently visible, it’s best to do this only when exterior application is completely unfeasible, and when the pattern creates significant contrast, as in the glass walkway pictured above.
Note: So-called “glass paint” is usually meant for indoor use, or required baking in the oven to set. That’s not going to work for your windows.
