Glass painting workshops usually begin using monotone paints, after which other colors and practices are worked in as part of further development of tone. The subject matter for the majority of these workshops involves the concepts of vitreous painting, matte and blending techniques, trace and silver staining of glass. Some workshops treat silver stain as its own course, in which students discuss the uses of this technique, see it demonstrated and practice it themselves.
Glass painting workshops exist for students who are interested in the more traditional aspects of the art form. While they are still offered for beginners, these classes are generally more expensive, as they teach high-level techniques for detail rendering, letter inscription and 3-dimensional simulation. They also focus on glass painting with pigments that must be fired in a kiln, as opposed to acrylic or epoxy-based paints that can either be applied directly to glass without further heating or simply fired at home in a typical household oven. Students in these courses learn to mix the paints, as well as apply them.