Glass Etching

[mommytotwo]

I had seen the finished product of these glass etching and was thinking of trying a hand in it, but don't know what to buy and where to get it from. Does anyone have ideas, and of a internet site that they have previously bought from that you would recommend?

 

[Tiggerkeeper]

We etched our windows around the front door a few years ago. We purchased an etching cream from Michael's and followed the directions on the jar. I have never tried a small surface so I can't help there but the results on our windows were great!!

Good luck!

 

[mommytotwo]

Tiggerkeeper-will I need to get all kinds of instruments to do the glass etching? How do you use the cream?

 

[Tiggerkeeper]

We used painters tape to tape off the lines and area we wanted clear then used a sponge brush to apply the cream. Be very careful to get the tape secure on your surface because if it slips the area exposed will be "frosted" by the cream forever! The first window pane I tried I streaked but after it dried I went back over it with another coat and covered the streaks.

It really is easy to do! We get a lot of comments on the treatment.

 

[mommytotwo]

Tiggerkeeper-if I had used those stencils and used the cream, would that work and would I have to put a finishing coat of some sort? I was thinking of making flower vases or something of that sort-is the cream safe if I put it on a coffee cup?

 

[Tiggerkeeper]

If you use a stencil use an adhesive spray to hold stencil on your surface so the cream doesn't get under the stencil or it will mark surface permanently. I have never read of any need for a finishing product for the etching. In fact, I clean right over my windows with Windex with no problem.

As far as safety goes, I wouldn't see a problem because the etching will be on the outside of the cup just be sure to wash it very carefully after drying to make sure to get all of the etching product off of the surface. It is abrasive like sand and sometimes requires multiple washing.

Good luck!

 

[mommytotwo]

What type of adhesive spray would you recommend. Going to check online again for these products.

 

[Tiggerkeeper]

I have used a spray by 3M before that was pretty good. Anything that has a strong hold will work.

 

[janette]

Anyone done this on plexiglass? I'd like to redo some doors for a couple of pin cases and would prefer something that doesn't break. That's why they need replaced.

 

[mommytotwo]

Nope never tried it and this will be my first time trying so. Thanks to tiggerkeeper, I am getting help in figuring out what I will need.

 

[Tiggerkeeper]

Mommytotwo, guess what I found? The bottle of etching cream we used! The cream is called Armour Etch there are only basic instructions on the bottle but they refer to a book Armour's Glass Etching Book for more detailed directions.

The bottle recommends using contact paper over the surface of your glass and trace the design into paper then cut out with a hobby knife. Then apply cream avoiding contact with skin.

Hope this helps.

janette - this bottle doesn't say anything about plexiglass, sorry

 

[dizneegirl]

Etching creme will only work on glass... and not all types of glass (it won't work on CorningWare and glass like it).

If you want to etch plexiglass, ceramics, metals, stone, etc. - you'll need to either use hand or dremel etching tools, or you'll need to look into sandblasting.

You can see a few different methods at Michaels, if you have one nearby, and look through the Armour book.

No finishing coat is necessary... the creme (and/or sandblasting) etches the surface of the glass permanently. It won't rub off, wash off, or come off in any other way.