How to Etch Glass With Etching Cream

Personalize or decorate glass by etching it with etching cream. Etching glass with cream is a great hobby that can be turned into a money-making opportunity. Glass etching kits can be purchased, or you can improvise.

Instructions

1. Clean the glass with a good quality glass cleaner. Dry the glass thoroughly with a clean soft cloth. Make sure there is no lint remaining on the glass.

2. Apply the stencil or drawing. Many stencils have a strong self-adhesive that helps it adhere to the glass. If you have a stencil that isn't adhesive-backed, use plain white contact paper to cover the glass. Apply one layer of contact paper and rub it in completely (burnishing) until it adheres. Then apply a stencil or drawing on top of the contact paper. Once the stencil has been applied to the glass, use a squeegee to burnish it in.

3. Cut out the design with a sharp Exact-o knife, if applying your own stencil on contact paper. After cutting out the design, rub the edges down so no etching cream gets on the glass. Self-adhesive stencils will pull right off the glass, exposing the part of the glass to be etched.

4. Mask all areas you don't want etched. This protects the portion of the glass that's to remain clear. Masking tape works fine.

5. Protect everything that will be touched by the etching cream. Cover the surface you're working on. Have paper towels handy in case of a spill. Protect your eyes and especially your hands. Wear heavy-duty vinyl gloves while using the etching cream.

6. Apply the etching cream to the glass. Make sure the cream is thick enough that it doesn't slide or run. Cover everything to be etched, including edges and corners. Allow the cream to work for about 15 minutes, or according to the directions.

7. Open a large, zip-topped plastic bag and keep it within reach. Remove the etching cream with paper towels and immediately put them in the zip top bag. Use soap and water to wash the remaining cream off the glass. Clean the glass with window cleaner and dry it with a lint-free cloth.