Make Your Own Etched Glass Creations
Etched glass makes a simple but elegant gift item that can be easily personalized. There are a variety of methods used to etch glass, including acid, sand, laser and rotary cutting tools. The easiest way for a beginner to etch glass is with etching cream. You can choose a design in stencils, draw your own and cut it out of contact paper, or paint the etching cream on freehand depending on your skills.
Instructions
1. Clean the glass object thoroughly. If you are using a stencil or contact paper, proceed to Step 3.
2. If you are applying the design freehand, apply the etching cream using a brush, toothpick, cotton swab or other object that can delineate your design.
3. Smooth the stencil onto the glass as per the manufacturer's instructions and proceed to Step 7. If you are not using a stencil, cover the glass object with contact paper, making sure the surface to be etched does not have any bubbles trapped under it.
4. Draw or trace the design on the contact paper.
5. Cut out the design using the sharp utility knife.
6. Smooth all the edges of the design down tight against the glass with your fingernail or another smooth object. This is to ensure the etching cream does not get under the edges of the contact paper and blur the lines of your design.
7. Apply the etching cream using cotton swabs or the brush and let it sit on the glass for 7 to 10 minutes or as per the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Wash the etching cream off with water, as per the instructions for the etching cream.
9. Remove the stencil or contact paper.
10. Clean the glass well with the glass cleaner.
