Saturday, July 9, 2011

Glass Etching

Finished Project:

Glass etching has been an amazing experience to learn how and begin doing. It is much easier than i ever would have guessed. Glass etching is completely permanent because it is scarring the glass where the etching creme has been placed and has eaten away at the surface of the glass.

I have found SO MANY things to etch! It has been an AMAZING project to do on my own pyrex mixing bowls, baking pans and glass pyrex storage containers-would especially help for anyone loaning out their dishes or living with roomates!

I have also found this to be a WONDERFUL gift as all my friends turn 21! Local dollar stores have so many plain glasses that it is hard to choose just one-and for only a dollar you dont have to choose just one. Give customized wine glasses, beer cups, beer mugs, shot glasses, martini glasses and more! Or stray away from the "drinking theme" and find drinking glasses or other glass serving ware. Gift recipients are always impressed and thinking you spent a fortune getting it personalized for them!


HOW TO GLASS ETCH
1. Find a glass object you wish you etch
2. Cut out a template and pattern/words for your project
   -When i first began glass etching i would print out the word i desired to cut on my printer (on normal paper with ink). Then i would tape this piece of paper to my contact paper, then spend (hours) lots of time cutting out the words with a contact knife..it gets the job done and these projects still turned out beautiful!
   -As my etching has continued I received a cricut as a gift and downloaded the sure cuts a lot2 software it has been such a blessing and has sped up the time to cut the contact paper by A TON!
  *No matter which method you use make sure the image is the correct orientation!
3. Clean the surface of the glass
4. Stick the contact paper with stencil of project onto the glass, make sure it is in place and all air bubbles are out because anywhere the etching creme gets WILL BE PERMANENT! You do not want the etching creme to get ANYWHERE besides the area that you want to etch.
5. Apply the etching creme on with a thick coat-so that you cannot see through the glass anywhere.
6. Leave it on for 10 minutes. 
7. At the end of 10 minutes you may scrape the remainder back into your container to use later if you wish. Then rinse off your glass object and remove the contact paper-it is suggested to use gloves to not come in contact with the etching creme!
8. Dry off your glass object and admire :)