How to Engrave Glass

Engraved Glass Window

Glass engraving is not new. People have been engraving on glassboth as a hobby and a way to make money for decades. Time has brought better methods to practice the art of glass engraving.Whatever method you choose to use ,the satisfaction of creating a beautiful piece is pure bliss.

Things You'll Need

• Glass items (example: a glass, a vase etc)
• Small rotary tool or small drill
• Grinding bits
• Diamond Bits
• Goggles
• Earplugs
• Etching stencils or patterns
• Clamps
• Damp Cloths
• A dust mask to cover your mouth and nose
• Non skid material
• wax crayon or a light colored marker

Instructions

The Art of Glass Engraving

1. Choose a glass object to engrave. The usual choice would be a glass or a vase. You can also engrave picture framesmirrors, windows, paperweights, and keychains. As long as it's glass you can engrave it to give it a unique look of it's own.

2. Decide which pattern or stencils you will use. Place the pattern or stencil you use in or behind the surface of the glass item you are using. Be sure it is exactly in the desired place. Tape the pattern in place with clear tape. Make sure your glass has been cleaned before doing this or your pattern may slip. You may also inadvertently engrave dirt into your glass if it has not been cleaned first.

3. Prepare your work space. Lay your non skid material on your work surface. It will give you a place to work without the glass sliding away. Depending on the size and shape of the glass piece you are using, you may want to use a clamp to hold it steady. Be careful not to use too much pressure when clamping, so you don't shatter the glass.

4. Put on your dust mask and goggles to protect your eyes, mouth and nose. If you think any noise from your drill or rotary tool might bother you, then you can use the optional earplugs.

5. 

   Take the glass item, with its pattern taped on, and draw the pattern with your wax crayon or marker, on the outside surface where you will be engraving. After testing your drill or rotary tool to find a comfortable speed, use it to start engraving on the pattern lines you drew. This will produce glass dust so wipe the glass often with your damp rag to clear the surface. Continue drilling then wiping repeatedly until your design is finished and the engraving is complete.

Tips & Warnings

• Work at your own speed and comfort level.

• Be aware of contour changes in the object you are engraving and adjust pressure accordingly.

• To pick up glass dust on your work surface safely, wet and wring out a paper towel. Dab the glass dust with it.

• It will stick to the towel which can then be thrown away.

• Glass can still cut even in dust form so use caution and the proper safety tools.

Resources

• Engraving a Glass Wedding Bowl Video