How to Etch Glass

Turn a boring mirror or pane of glass into a work of art!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Etching Acids Cream
• Glass Or Mirror
• Clear Contact Paper
• Glass Etching Kits
• Transparent Contact Paper
• Source Of Running Water
• Latex Gloves
• Glass Cleaners
• Pencils
• Carbon Papers (for Mirror)
• Paper Towels
• Pencils
• Paper Towels
• X-Acto Knives
• Pencils
• Paper towels
• soft, lint-free cloths

1. Clean the surface you will be etching with glass cleaner and a soft, lint-free cloth.

2. Cover the surface with clear contact paper and press out all the bubbles.

3. Put the design you are using behind the glass.

4. Trace the design onto the contact paper if you are doing a mirror. Put carbon paper on top of the contact paper and then place your design on top of that. Trace the design, transferring it to the contact paper.

5. Use an X-Acto knife to cut the contact paper away from the areas that you want to etch.

6. Make sure that all of the edges are stuck tight to the glass and that there are no bubbles at the edges.

7. Use a paper towel to smear a liberal layer of etching cream onto the design area.

8. Wait the amount of time required for the brand of etching cream you are using - usually 5 to 10 minutes.

9. Run cool water over the cream to rinse it off.

10. Peel off the contact paper and rinse the glass under cool water again.

Tips & Warnings

• Areas where the acid isn't thick enough will look streaked. Be sure to get a good coat of the etching cream on to the piece of glass.
• Coloring books are an excellent source for easy designs.
• Wear latex gloves when working with etching cream. It's an acid.
• Apply the cream in a well-ventilated area.

[nicolasdedijon]

on 5/8/2009 If you need etching cream at very low price contact me: [e-mail] Our etching cream is a fast acting, specially formulated glass etching compound that allows you to create permanent etched designs on mirrors, windows, articles, office decoration, and household glassware *Fast etching, fine etched appearance*Effected at low temperature and high humidity*Available for various glass items and art designs*10-15 m2/kg etching capacity*Etching time: 10-60 seconds*Package: 1

[shjacobs]

on 12/20/2006 Has anyone tried this on a shower door? I've heard of it being done but everything on the web says that etching cream is not meant for large surfaces. Any information you can provide is appreciated. Thank you.

on 8/6/2007 Use a Q-tip to apply acid to small cut-out areas. More easily controlled and less chance of an "oops".

on 11/22/2005 I have used masking tape to cover glass bottles, then I cut the design out making sure the edges are pressed down well. A Delta product called accent liner in a squirt bottle can be used for small maskings (like the dots within a flower). The tape will easily peel off the glass after etching.

on 11/22/2005 When cutting stencils for my etching (or blasting's) on mirror or glass, I find that scalpels work very well. One must cut slowly and carefully, as they are extremely sharp and excess pressure may scratch or score the glass. I choose the blade's size and shape by the detail in the design. I will sometimes use 3 or 4 different scalpels on a single project. You can find the scalpels at Medical Supply outlets.