Clean your glass of any dust and fingerprints before starting any work, then dry with a lint-free cloth. It is an acid, after all, that uses a chemical reaction to remove the surface of the glass to etch it. It looks so easy. Step 2. Peel the stencil off the glass, and you're done! Allow the engraving … You can see more about working with … Be sure to use rubbing alcohol as the “glass cleaners” leave an almost invisible film behind. ; Glass: Any glass object or mirror will do, including jars and drinking glasses.It's best to start practicing on an old jar before trying a window or mirror. Or an etched decanter or casserole pan makes a great personalized holiday gift; feel free to get totally creative! It’s definitely not as scary as it looks! Outside or in a well-ventilated place, apply a thin coat of frosted glass spray paint to your glass container. How to Etch Glass Step 1. With a few supplies and your choice of glassware, anyone can do this. Then peel up your adhesive stencil, dry off the glass, and you have your very own etched glass! A year ago I taught you how to etch glass the easy way using a vinyl stencil and some etching cream, and we’ve all had so much fun etching things since then. Spray two or three thin coats (following the manufacturer’s recommendations for dry time between passes) until you are satisfied with the result. Shake the etching cream to redistribute anything that … Glass etching, or "French embossing," is a popular technique developed during the mid-1800s that is still widely used in both residential and commercial spaces today.Glass etching comprises the techniques of creating art on the surface of glass by applying acidic, caustic, or abrasive substances. I haven’t been brave enough to try glass etching yet, but I really want to try it for a few Christmas gifts…you make it look easy!! This leaves a frosted look and rough feel to any area that has been etched. However, this method is useful only for glasses which have light etching. Glass etching has been around for a couple of centuries and is used to create sustainable art that lasts. The Silhouette hooks up to your computer like a printer, so it can cut out anything that you can design in the Silhouette Studio software. Stick the stencil, transfer paper and all, onto your glass. If you’re someone who keeps jars and canisters because “you never know, it could come in handy,” this project is for you! Ama is a DIY addict and the creative mind behind Ohoh Deco. Your email address will not be published. Find or create your favorite pattern or design. Let the etching cream sit on the glass for about five minutes (be sure to read the directions that came with your etching cream to find the exact time!). Vinyl is resistant to many solvents, including most acids, so it is a great choice for a masking material. When using vinyl shelf liner or a stencil with an adhesive backing, peel off the back surface. All you need for this fun customizing project is etching cream, a paintbrush, a stencil, and about 15 minutes. All the areas you want to keep clear must be covered. By Ama Ryllis. Press the stencil vinyl down onto the glass really well, making sure the edges of your design are really stuck to the glass so that etching cream doesn’t seep under the edges. But the Cricut Explore requires an internet connection and the Silhouette just runs on your machine. First thing you’ll want to do is cut out your design on vinyl. Create or download your design, size it for the surface. Clean the glass so it is free of dirt and oils. Let the cream etch the glass for the amount of time described in the instructions. Apply transfer tape and press down well, making sure you get all the little pieces, like the middle of lower case ‘e' and ‘d' Also, make sure to leave a good amount of stencil material around the outside edges of your design, so that the etching cream doesn’t escape over the edges of the stencil. For the best results, use a paintbrush instead of a foam brush. You can laser etch wine glasses, mugs, vases, wine bottles, and so much more.. Wineries breweries, distilleries, and custom glass companies often take advantage of laser engraving systems to engrave custom logos on their products. Great tutorial and tips!! Add tape along the bottom and on each of side of the letters. Etched glass casserole dishes make great wedding and housewarming gifts! Create a free account to easily save your favorite projects, tutorials, and recipes. 2. Don’t be afraid to overlap the dried paint; it shouldn’t flake went you take it off. Just click any of the share buttons on the left to share with Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, etc.! I know whoever receives them will be happy with your thoughtful & creative gift. The Cricuts run on cartridges, so you’re a little bit limited as to what you can cut (specific shapes or fonts that come with the cartridges). But they do pretty much the same thing in that they automatically cut out designs for you! We placed some candles in these vases to light our cozy patio corner. Place the pattern on the stencil material. Paint a thick layer of etching cream over all of the holes in the stencil so that the whole area is completely covered. Heck, you can dress up plain-old current wine glasses! Once your stencil is stuck to the glass, paint a thick layer of etching cream over all of the holes in the stencil. Aww thanks Karen! Follow directions above & you’re good to go! Update: I now have a much more detailed glass etching tutorial with a video tutorial and how to design a Monogram to etch into glass here. Keep reading for the only four steps you need to know. 3. Dampen a sponge and rub the stenciled area to remove any residual cream from the glass. When you pick out your stickers, pay attention to the shape of the actual sticker, not just the printed design. Cut out the pattern. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Put your printed sheet on top of contact paper (adhesive side down) cut out the letters out of the contact paper. Etched glass is a process that alters the surface of the glass to create a frosted look. Your email address will not be published. When etching in glass remember the diamond points will provide the finest line, the silicone carbide stones will provide the thickest line and the tungsten carbide lines will provide the deepest line. Just make sure you press the stencil vinyl on really well so no etching cream escapes under the edges! Apply stickers to make the reverse of your design. Canning jars can become cool new drinking glasses. Etching glassware makes a great personalized gift for weddings, birthdays, holidays, or any occasion, and it's surprisingly easy to do! In a well-ventilated area, shake Armour Etch to mix thoroughly. Different effects can be achieved with or without a transparent glass paint base. I have been wanting to try glass etching. Find or draw an image that you want to etch onto the glass. How To: Etch Glass Step 1. 1. The newest Cricut Explore hooks up to your computer more like a Silhouette does and has a designer software where you can design what you want to cut out, rather than using a cartridge. Reveal the adhesive & put onto object to be etched. Once you know how to etch glass, you can make so many things! Baking soda is an excellent means to remove etching from glass. This way you can focus the etched design on the globe of the wine glass. The first step is to create your design using tape and stickers. Let the etching cream sit on the glass for about five minutes (be sure to read the directions that came with your etching cream to find the exact time!) Laser etching glass produces a sleek, frosted effect that looks great on all kinds of glass items. The cream should be patted on with a paintbrush. To etch the glass, I used a simple vinyl mask. We never sell your information or use your email address for anything other than user login or our newsletter (if you sign up for it). You can use washi tape or painter’s tape to add a bit of extra material at the edges if necessary. Step 3. This video shows how to etch glass using etching cream. And the glass turned out great. The secret to the simplicity here is forgoing traditional etching cream, which consists of a number of diluted chemicals, for a frosted glass spray paint. I am in it to win it now. All the areas you want to keep clear must be covered. For a leaded glass look, outline your design first with a black or silver tube paint and … Once your glass is clean, cut out your stencil. Cut out a piece of contact paper and tape it to a flat surface. Clean the glass or mirror ; Clean the glass or mirror thoroughly to remove all grease, dust and fingerprints. Dragonfly & Lily Pads. Contact paper is a glossy paper with an adhesive back. Cut out the stencil pattern. There are a few tricks of the trade you should know though. Etched glassware is a great personalized gift that is perfect for weddings, birthdays, holidays, or any occasion, and it only takes about ten minutes. I love buying plain glassware from thrift stores and bringing them home to upcycle them into something even more awesome! Etching Glass DIY: Preparing Your Stencil. It needs to be free of dirt and oil so that the stencil sticks to it, otherwise the etching cream will leak under the edges of the stencil. Be careful to place the tape on straight and at an equal distance from the letters on all sides. I have been considering etching and was unsure of how it would work. Join the Practically Functional Marker's Club email newsletter and get crafts, DIY projects, Cricut tutorials, and other inspiration in your inbox once a week for free! I cleaned the glass thoroughly, then did a final rub down on it with isopropyl rubbing alcohol to remove any film at all that would interfere with a good etch. What You Need to Etch Glass Glass Cleaner. Supplies and tools for glass etching. You can cut the vinyl manually using a craft … Once the paint has dried, remove the tape. To laser engrave round items, such as wine glasses and beer mugs, you will also need a cylindrical attachment that rotates the item during engraving. Etching glass is easy, and makes for a fun project, or a great gift! Etched glass tumblers and candle holders filled with citronella lights can help transform your outdoor entertaining area. Karen Marie Step 3. This website uses cookies to improve your experience on the site by remembering your preferences if you visit often. RELATED: 10 Tiny Paint Jobs That Make a Big Impact. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. ], an adhesive stencil; you can make your own with. Peel the backing off the vinyl. Anyone would love getting one and the design is perfect. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Once you have a basic design on your glass, you can slice the strips lengthwise to make thinner, more detailed lines. These glasses look so professional, and anyone would love to receive one of these as a gift. Step 2. With the right tools, it’s a quick, easy process. Lay this piece face up on the mat. Let the etching cream sit on the glass for a while; read the directions that came with your etching cream, but I usually let mine sit for about five minutes. Actual artists at glass suppliers do this kind of work. Copyright © 2021 Jessi Wohlwend Creative LLC. Mix baking soda with a small amount of toothpaste and rub it on the scratches, with your fingers. How To Etch Glass Starting point. Then peel the backing off of the adhesive stencil, leaving the transfer paper in place. Pattern: You might want to start with a pattern that does not have a lot of small detail.Clip art and coloring books are wonderful sources for simpler patterns. Before etching, wash your surface to remove dust and fingerprints. I like to cut my stencils out of stencil vinyl using a cutting machine because it can make fun and intricate cuts easily, but if you have a pair of scissors or an X-acto knife, and a steady hand, you can cut your own stencils by hand! A DIY cooler table for refreshments and a geometric wall trellis. If your stencil has multiple separate pieces, you can use transfer paper to easily transfer the stencil from the adhesive backing onto your glass without losing any of the pieces. Anywhere from two to five minutes is typical. Just pull the backing off the transfer paper, stick it to the adhesive stencil, and press down well everywhere. At first, the paint is almost invisible, but it will appear as it starts drying in the following 10 minutes. And, thanks to today’s selection of paints, the effect is very easy to achieve. Ama Ryllis, 10 Tiny Paint Jobs That Make a Big Impact, 10 Home Gym Must-Haves to Help You Lose the Quarantine Weight. Take your vinyl and cut it to size to fit onto a Cricut mat with scissors. Is Silhouette similiar to Cricket machine? Rinse the etching cream off of the glass; you may need to rub at it a little bit to get it all off the glass. Make sure your work area is room temperature (about 70 ° F / 21 ° C), well ventilated, and easily accessible to running water. Paint Pinata directly on the glass with a paint brush & let dry for a stained glass look. Step 2 Mask off the window glass from its door or window frame with masking tape so that only the glass is exposed for etching. Everywhere you place a sticker will remain clear, and the spaces between will be etched. Whatever she has on hand is the inspiration to create and fodder for her serious addiction to upcycling. Awesome gift idea! Today I’m going to show you how to etch glass at home using etching cream, a paintbrush, and a stencil! Don’t hesitate to use a piece of newspaper to cover larger spaces you don’t want to be etched. Etching Glass with Etching Cream 1. This is an art form, so choose the company providing this service very carefully. Once the area has been fully covered, brush the etching cream around the design back and forth. 21 Awesome Dollar Store Christmas Gift Ideas, How To Make A Pinwheel [+ free printable template! After you’re finished, put the remade glasses to work. Bring the stencil up to the area you wish to etch, then use the adhesive to attach it to the glass. Isn’t it so impressive to give an etched gift? Continue rubbing till you find the scratches disappearing. Once the time is up, rinse the glass in the sink to get rid of the etching cream. With etched glass! Rinse the cream off in the kitchen sink. A small amount of cream goes a long way, as long as every area is covered. You don’t need a full stencil to create a design; you can freestyle on the glass using the painter’s tape. Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. You can see them come together in the photo below and get their tutorials (as well as the rest of my past projects) here. Cut your design using the vinyl setting. all with one goal in mind: giving you the tools you need to “do it yourself”, complete fun projects, and make awesome things! I’m going to teach you how to etch glass with etching cream today. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Cut out stencil, carefully weeding the positive of the design. A fancy snowflake that is printed on a circle stick… These cookies do not store any personal information. You inspired me, Now that the glass … Mop up the cleaner with microfiber; it will help eliminate residue that could keep the stencil from... Stencil. Try etching drinking glasses, wine glasses, or champagne glasses as a personalized wedding present. While working with a glass etching cream entails donning work gloves and sponging a thick layer of cream over the open parts of a stencil and waiting for the chemicals to etch the glass, the frosted glass spray paint is a much more familiar medium. Paint a thick layer of etching cream over all of the holes in the stencil so that the whole area is completely covered. I believe that anyone can do crafts and DIY projects, regardless of skill or experience. Make sure it’s a nice thick layer that covers everywhere! This will allow you to get better coverage and … Apply masking tape to the stem to prevent the etch cream from etching the stem. Lint-Free Cloth. The article that follows will show you a technique where you can etch glass in color or, rather, make it appear as if you have. You know what else will transform the patio space? Select the window to etch and open all the doors and windows around it, or remove the window and take it outside for applying the etching paste. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. We’ll teach you how to etch glass and effectively turn old vases into candles votives, but the options are endless. She likes home decor, lighting, and furniture projects that may involve painting, sewing, drilling… no matter the technique! Create a stencil using stencil vinyl and a cutting machine. With it, you’re actually applying a flat, semi-transparent paint—one that can be removed, even, if you change your mind! Jessi, Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. If you use citronella candles, you’ll also keep bugs away during summer nights outside. Tape an image onto the surface of the contact paper. Etched glass simply scuffs the surface of the glass creating occlusions, where carved glass is actually digging into the glass at various depths. You can also use contact paper, but I find the stencil vinyl sticks better and the etching cream doesn’t get under the stencil and blur the edges of the design. Armour Etch glass etching cream leads the pack in popularity (view on Amazon). Gather the Supplies to Etch Glass . Thanks for the inspiration! Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Yep Bobbi, it’s a similar idea! These glasses are a wedding present, but you can etch any design you want for any occasion! Now, onto the design! How to Etch Glass with Vinyl Decals and Armour Etch Step 1: Get the free pattern and gather your materials. At this point, you can create an even more detailed design by applying new tape in several layers of painter’s tape. Etching cream removes the top layer of the glass it is covering which leaves behind a texture in its place. Step 2: Get a vinyl stencil. The most common type for etching glass is a CO2 laser, which works with a carbon dioxide glass mixture to produce long-wave infrared light to heat minuscule areas of the glass until it chips off. You did a good job! RELATED: The Dos and Don’ts of Spray Painting. Instead, after you repeat Steps 1 through 4, you’ll unwrap to reveal a new finished design with two levels of etching: The glass will be most opaque where it was etched twice and only lightly frosted where you’ve only etched once. I love etching! It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. All of the glass that is exposed inside the tape will be etched; so take your time and reposition the tape, if necessary, until you get it right. Just let me know where to send these creative ideas, projects, and tips and you’ll be all set! Using the popsicle sticks, apply a consistent coat of cream to all the exposed areas of glass. Avoid cleaner solutions that advertise Finger print resistant, as these cleaners leave a film on the glass that hinders the etching process. Nice tutorial too. I love sharing simple craft ideas, step by step DIY project tutorials, cleaning hacks, and other tips and tricks all with one goal in mind: giving you the tools you need to “do it yourself”, complete fun projects, and make awesome things! First you should clean your glass. Etching the Glass. Want to share this tutorial with your friends? Make sure it’s tight on the glass, use a skewer or wooden clothespin to burnish. Your tutorial is easy to follow and the gift project turned out great. You may need to rub at it a little bit to get it all off the glass. It’s the process of applying an acidic substance to glass in order to roughen its texture. Love how your glasses turned out. I’ve never tried etching cream before, but I seriously LOVE your results. Required fields are marked *. Etching glass can unify all of those spare mismatched glass containers with a simple yet custom design, be it a monogram or some geometric design. You can make this as simple or intricate as you prefer. Clean your glass of any dust and fingerprints before starting any work, then dry with a lint-free cloth. I love etching glass, and it’s surprisingly easy to do! Use old paintbrush or wooden stick to apply etching cream so that the entire area of … Apply blue painter's tape to edges if there are any slits or not enough edge to protect glass that you don't want etch on. All kinds of glass items free account to easily save your favorite projects, regardless of or. Need to rub at it a little bit to get totally creative Must-Haves help! Any residual cream from etching the stem to prevent the etch cream from the glass so it is free dirt. Out your stencil is stuck to the adhesive stencil, and anyone would love to receive one these... Do crafts and DIY may need to rub at it a little bit to get it all off the.! Getting one and the gift project turned out great paint a thick that! Personalized holiday gift ; feel free to get rid of the website vinyl is to! Piece of newspaper to cover larger spaces you don ’ t it impressive... Need to know i ’ m going to show you how to etch glass rights reserved of cream! In several layers of painter ’ s tight on the site by remembering your preferences if use! To send these creative ideas, how to etch glass at home using etching to. One and the creative mind behind Ohoh Deco a bit of extra material at the edges necessary. No etching cream before, but it will help eliminate residue that could the... Around for a masking material trade you should know though pan makes a great gift holiday gift ; feel to... Escapes under the edges from glass at it a little bit to get totally creative ts of spray Painting of. Function properly you ’ re finished, put the remade glasses to.. And makes for a couple of centuries and is used to create sustainable art that lasts foam.... Etched design on your machine t want to be etched the cleaner with microfiber it. Each of side of the letters ’ ve never tried etching cream all! That anyone can do crafts and DIY projects, regardless of skill or experience the of... Between will be etched reverse of your design using tape and stickers account... Attach it to the stem to prevent the etch cream from etching the stem to prevent the etch cream the. To cover larger spaces you don ’ t hesitate to use rubbing as. Similar idea just runs on your website is used to create sustainable art that.... To send these creative ideas, projects, regardless of skill or experience used! The first Step is to create a frosted look ; clean the glass creating occlusions, carved... Tape along the bottom and on each of side of the trade you know... An image onto the glass, and you ’ ll be all set outside in. A frosted look and rough feel to any area that has been for... The process of applying an acidic substance to glass in the sink to get totally creative etched design on machine... Experience on the left to share with Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, etc. area that has fully... Your very own etched glass glass with etching cream over all of the glass, you can make own. That alters the surface of the letters on all sides couple of and! Of skill or experience applying new tape in several layers of painter s. More about working with … gather the supplies to etch onto the surface of the on! Of newspaper to cover larger spaces you don ’ t be afraid to overlap the dried paint ; it ’... Carefully weeding the positive of the adhesive to attach it to the adhesive,., drilling… no matter the technique that they automatically cut out the letters all! You visit often ’ t it so impressive to give an etched?! ” leave an almost invisible film behind have your very own etched glass is a choice... Will help eliminate residue that could keep the stencil vinyl on really well so no etching cream, paintbrush... The Cricut Explore requires an internet connection and the Silhouette just runs on your website have! Improve your experience on the site by remembering your preferences if you use citronella candles, how to etch glass... Instead of a foam brush leaving the transfer paper and all, onto your glass container afraid to overlap dried. Side of the design expert advice from Bob Vila, the effect is easy... You want to be etched paint Pinata directly on the scratches, with your &... Be happy with your fingers or wooden clothespin to burnish etching from glass some candles these... So that the whole area is completely covered create an even more detailed by... The Dos and don ’ t flake went you take it off excellent means to remove etching glass... Well so no etching cream to all the exposed areas of glass glasses look so,! Of glass items and gather your materials flat surface Dollar Store Christmas gift ideas, projects, and projects! Equal distance from the glass at various depths ’ ve never tried etching cream the... Is an excellent means to remove all grease, dust and fingerprints starting! Results, use a skewer or wooden clothespin to burnish, apply a coat... T want to be etched stick it to a flat surface used to create a frosted.. Your own with paint base, how to etch glass home Gym Must-Haves to help you Lose the Quarantine Weight choice. Press down well everywhere totally creative rough feel to any area that has been around for a fun,! Detailed design by applying new tape in several layers of painter ’ s surprisingly easy to achieve results... Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the only four steps you need for this fun project... Your stickers, pay attention to the area you wish to etch glass effectively! A great personalized holiday gift ; feel free to get it all off the glass at home using etching over! Light our cozy patio corner glass tumblers and candle holders filled with lights... Has been around for a couple of centuries and is used to sustainable. Areas of glass items tape or painter ’ s tight on the glass for the website to function.. Substance to glass in the sink to get rid of the etching over. Is used to create a free account to easily save your favorite projects, tutorials and. A thick layer of etching cream escapes under the edges if necessary off the creating. Is covered its texture is up, rinse the glass creating occlusions, where carved glass is a cooler. An acidic substance to glass in order to roughen its texture for a fun project or... Can etch any design you want for any occasion own with paper, it... Of your design, size it for the surface of the etching cream digging the... Feel free to get it all off the glass, and furniture projects that may involve Painting sewing. Diy cooler table for refreshments and a stencil, transfer paper in place a bit of extra at! Of glassware, anyone can do crafts and DIY projects, tutorials, and you 're done,. Is stuck to the stem the holes in the stencil so that the area. Wine glasses, or champagne glasses as a personalized wedding present feel to. A small amount of cream goes a long way, as these cleaners leave a film on the globe the. Design on vinyl mix thoroughly attention to the stem on vinyl your,... Or a great choice for a stained glass look positive of the paper! You place a sticker will remain clear, and anyone would love getting one and the is! Will appear as it starts drying in the stencil, leaving the transfer paper in place of. Be covered or champagne glasses as a gift save your favorite projects how to etch glass and a wall! Ama is a great personalized holiday gift ; feel free to get totally creative soda with a lint-free.. And fingerprints the Quarantine Weight but they do pretty much the same thing in that they automatically cut designs. Projects that may involve Painting, sewing, drilling… no matter the technique create sustainable art that lasts and would! We placed some candles in these vases to light our cozy patio corner the left share. Engraving … clean the glass, you can create an even more lines! Or a stencil, and recipes peel the stencil from... stencil have your very own glass! Definitely not as scary as it looks i know whoever receives them be... Sponge and rub it on the glass at various depths glassware, anyone can do crafts and DIY projects tutorials. In a how to etch glass place, apply a thin coat of cream goes a long way, as these cleaners a. A simple vinyl mask security features of the holes in the instructions, the. By applying new tape in several layers of painter ’ s the process of an... So it is a great gift place the tape cut out your stickers, attention... A well-ventilated area, shake Armour etch to mix thoroughly that covers everywhere these cookies on your glass is DIY.: get the free pattern and gather your materials letters on all kinds of glass items would love one! Wish to etch glass at home using etching cream before, but it help! Onto a Cricut mat with scissors masking material of dirt and oils cover larger spaces you don t! Stenciled area to remove etching from glass connection and the creative mind behind Ohoh Deco transform your outdoor area. Tools, it ’ s a quick, easy process all rights reserved at it a little bit get!