How to Create Etched Glass

Creating an etched design in glass always adds an elegant touch. Etching glass is an easy way to turn an ordinary glass table, goblet or plate into a personalized gift that is good for any occasion. Etching glass is also a great hobby that could lead into a profitable business. Read on to learn how to create etched glass.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Design or Pattern to Etch in the Glass
• Glass Cleaning Solution
• Utility Knife or Razor Blade
• Glass Etching Kit
• Glass
• Small Paintbrush
• Carbon Paper
• Contact Paper

1. Clean the bottom or inside surface of the glass. Make sure there are no streaks in the glass.
2. Place the carbon paper on the contact paper sticky side up. The contact paper's sticky side should face down. Position the design or pattern on the carbon paper. With a pen or pencil outline the design or pattern.
3. Cut and remove the etching area of the contact paper with a utility knife.
4. Stick the contact paper to the glass after pulling off the sticky side's protective sheeting. Press the contact paper to adhere it to the surface.
5. Paint a generous layer of the etching cream onto the cut out portion of the design. Keep the cream within the contact paper. The cream etches any glass it touches. Let the cream set for one to five minutes.
6. Clean the glass with a glass cleaner or a solution provided in the kit. Remove the etching cream with a paintbrush. Use downward strokes when cleaning the glass. Spray glass with a cleaner and wipe the glass.
7. Remove the contact paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Some people choose a foam glass cleaner instead of a regular glass cleaner to reduce streaks.