Things You'll Need:
- Glass
- Window cleaner
- Paper towels
- Adhesive stencil
- Masking tape
- Diamond wheel points
- Tungsten carbide cutters
- Etching cream
- Squeegee
- Disposable gloves
- Safety glasses
- Utility knife
- Towel
- Bucket
- Soapy water
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Step 1
Cleanse the glass with any standard window cleaner. Clear it of all dust and lint. Then dry it completely using paper towels.
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Step 2
Separate the backing paper from the stencil if you choose to use the adhesive kind. If you have drawn your own design, just place the glass on top of it and keep it in place using masking tape.
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Step 3
Use the diamond wheel points and/or tungsten carbide cutters to cut and shape the letters or drawing you have in mind. These tools are good for more of a freehand design, but apply etching cream if you use an adhesive stencil (see Process Option 2 below).
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Step 4
Incorporate spare glass bits to accessorize your craft piece. In fact, experiment with the addition of different decorative materials like glitter and crystals. Glass bottles can be good canvases with which to start glass etching projects if you are a novice.
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Step 1
Carve your design using etching cream. First secure the adhesive stencil to the glass with a squeegee. Take your time with the application, and closely affix the stencil to the glass.
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Step 2
Remove the top coating from the stencil after it is sealed to the glass.
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Step 3
Put on your vinyl disposable gloves and safety glasses before applying the etching cream, which is an irritant if it comes in contact with your skin or eyes.
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Step 4
Position masking tape around the stencil on the remaining glass where you don't plan to etch.
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Step 5
Lather on a substantial amount of etching cream using a utility knife. Give the cream 15 minutes to set properly. Then remove the cream from both the stencil and your gloves using paper towels.
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Step 6
Clean remaining cream from the finished glass etching with a towel and warm soapy water. Remove the stencil from the glass slowly, using the cleaned utility knife if you want.
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Step 7
Wipe the newly etched glass craft completely with paper towels and window cleaner.
