Adventures in Glass Etching

We have been wanting to try out glass etching for some time now. It seemed a little intimidating—the idea is to corrode glass into a design. But sometimes you just got to go for it; and by "go for it" we mean read the directions, check any online resources you can find and then just jump in.1. Supplies: Armour Etch cream, glass (we did a decanter and companion cup), contact paper, disposable brush and gloves. Make sure to cover your working area completely before you start using the cream. 2. Cut out your design in the contact paper. 3. Stick your design on to your glass object(s). Be sure the edges adhere well otherwise your cream could seep through and smudge your design. 4. Wear gloves to paint on a very thick layer of cream. Wait three minutes. Wash the cream off in running water. Remove your contact paper and clean your object(s).A few tips we learned about glass etching:

-The cream is a very strong chemical so you need to work in a well ventilated area. Wear gloves. Don't get the cream on your clothes. Don't get the cream on your skin, hair or eyes. This is not a project to do with young children as the etching cream truly is quite... corrosive.

-Most online resources suggested to leave the cream on for only 1 minute. We tried this and found the results to be too subtle. The project shown had the cream on it for 3 minutes and you can see how well the glass frosted during this period.

-Be sure to apply a very thick layer of cream as you work. You don't want to be able to see through the cream, so really paste it on. 

Have fun and be safe creating your own glass etching projects! xo. emma and elsie

Comments

[Rebecca]

I've been seeing these everywhere with corny quotes on them. I can't wait to try some that will actually fit into my decor. Love the shapes you ladies picked!

ps. small typo in instruction number 4.

[Natasha Fatah]

Great idea kids! :)

xoxo
www.natashafatah.com

[Christen DeGonzague]

That is awesome!

[Jan]

I love etching! I have been doing glasses and glass mugs for wedding gifts lately. But I leave the cream on for at least 2 hours. I have even left it on overnight before. It had completely dried and I had to use an old toothbrush to scrub it off, but it was a beautiful etch. You do need to make sure the edges of the vinyl mask are well adhered and do be careful of drips cause they can sure ruin a design. I usually set mine on a piece of tin foil to protect any surfaces.

Love that decanter and glass - the way the glass fits in the decanter is really a neat design. Where did you find it? I know probably vintage, right?

[Justine]

Jeez ass, amazing diy projects for days :) Can't wait for some free time to give this a whirl!

xoxo

[Kate]

I've always wondered what etching on glass is like, you got brilliant results! I love the idea of doing a matching set of glasses with polkadots etched on!

[Logan]

So cool! Y'all think of everything!

http://www.loganmakesamess.com

http://www.loganmakesamess.com/2012/04/fashion-messblogging-event.html

[Hug]

Wow that is such a unique DIY!
Wonderful idea and execution

[Sheryl]

Mmm wine. Oh, the etching is nice too ;)

[tse parfait]

that's soooo coooool

[Kara]

How fun! Does it turn out to be dishwasher safe?

[Chelsea]

Yours turned out beautiful!! I'm not sure I would be good around those chemicals haha :) Love it!

[Gina_AcuteDesigns]

So simple - I am trying this :).

[Stephanie Hillberry]

I've always wanted to try glass etching. One book that always gives me great etching inspiration is Remake Restyle Reuse. Their projects remind me of yours. Great taste!

Thanks for sharing--

[Marie]

Very cool! Love this super easy idea! :)

http://www.happypaperplace.com/

[Essie]

Super pretty!
http://pinkscriptblog.blogspot.com/

[Jillian]

Looks like pro!

Jill
http://www.geekchicsocial.com

[Melissa]

your pictures are pretty! can't wait to see more of your etching projects.

[Rachel]

I used the same etching cream and i must not have left in on long enough because it was too subtle. I will try leaving it on longer next time.

Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

[jess the chipster]

WAHT? I didn't even know that this was a thing you could do yourself!! So many new DIY opportunities! I wonder where I can find this stuff in Australia...