How to Do Glass Etching With My Cricut Expressions

A Cricut Expression is a personal die-cut machine that is versatile in cutting images and fonts from a variety of paper sheets. The Cricut can also be used to cut vinyl words and phrases that can be attached to walls and other decor projects. Glass etching with a Cricut Expression is done by cutting a stencil from vinyl. The sticky back of the vinyl adheres to the glass, providing a sealed edge to the stencil. Plain glassware is given an expensive appearance with simple or intricate etchings.

Insert a cartridge into your Cricut Expression with the images you will be using for your stencil.

Adjust your settings to cut vinyl. Set the blade to 6, the pressure to 3 and the speed to 3.

Lay the vinyl on your cutting board with the right side facing up. Align the edges with the cutting board graph. Press the vinyl down to adhere it to the cutting board's tacky surface.

Load the cutting board into the Cricut Expression. Adjust the blade 1 inch from the edge of the vinyl.

Measure the space on your glass project for the etching. Type in your image or font, and set the size. Press the cut button.

Unload the board. Peel off the inside of the letters or images from the board. Leave any pieces that form the inside of the images.

Place a piece of transfer tape over the vinyl stencil. Press down firmly. The tape will keep all the stencil pieces aligned. Peel the stencil off of the board.

Peel the paper from the sticky-backed side of the vinyl. Position the stencil on your glass project. Press firmly and smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles.

Peel the transfer tape from the surface of the stencil. The stencil will stick to the the glass.

Pour a small amount of etching cream onto a piece of aluminum foil. Apply a thick layer of the etching cream to the stencil using a sponge brush.

Allow the cream to set for 10 minutes. Rinse off the cream under running water. Peel off the stencil.