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
• X-Acto Knives
• 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.