Etching glass is a fun and rewarding craft that allows you to create unique designs on glassware, mirrors, and other surfaces. It involves finding or drawing a design to transfer, then using a small handheld rotary tool to etch the glass by hand. Etching glass can unify mismatched containers by giving them all the same custom design. Common techniques include acid etching, which uses hydrofluoric acid to corrode the glass surface and results in a frosted or matte finish.
Glass etching is not only a satisfying DIY project but also a permanent way to personalize glassware. It is dishwasher safe and durable, and with today’s vinyl cutting technology, the process of etching glass is easier and more precise. Scissors or a cutting matt and x-acto knife are recommended for creating precise stencils.
Etching glass can be done in the comfort of your own home with a simple step-by-step tutorial. The chemicals in glass etching cream permanently “etch” the glass with the desired design. Glass etching is a procedure used to decorate a certain surface of glass by removing minute parts of the material in etched drawings or patterns.
To etch glass, you can use a cutting machine like a Cricut Maker, Cricut Explore, or Silhouette Cameo machine to create your stencil, or you can buy a pre-made stencil kit. Etching cream is a fast-acting compound that allows you to create permanent etched designs on surfaces like windows, mirrors, or glassware.
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Great article! I just used 3-year-old etching cream. It was brown but it worked! Even new, the cream was so thick that I had to glob it on. I found that if the cream dries before time is up, it doesn’t etch well. So I just glob it on and leave it rather than brush it. Since you can reuse the cream, it’s not a waste. And I read somewhere that it works best 15 minutes, which is what I have always done. I’ll have to try your constant brush technique the next time. More tidbits: DON’T rinse in a porcelain or glass sink as the cream can etch those surfaces! You should ONLY rinse in a fiberglass or stainless sink. The larger the surface you are etching, the more likely you will have missed spots. So if you’re a beginner, start with something with finer detail. Lastly, while the transfer paper is still on, I run my fingernail over the edges of the stencil to make sure it is absolutely adhered well, especially if you have fine detail.
Your articles are always amazing! I would add one more important tip I recently discovered. Never etch with a wet paint brush. I washed mine between etchings, didn’t even squeeze the excess water out (it was very late and I was tired). Three mugs later .. total disaster 🙁 Thankfully, they’re Dollar Tree mugs, easily and inexpensively replaced. Thank you for all you do and all your tutorials! YOU are the reason I love my Cricut .. right out of the box <3
I just have to get computer ICC profiles and then I can start my first project. I bought everything over Black Friday weekend. The cricket press, the oyster convection oven the Epson eco-tank converted to hippo Inc.. I bought a new laptop and now I’m scared I’m just afraid to waste blanks. If the colors don’t come out right I’m close to retirement and I can’t afford to experiment so that’s my hesitation.
I have a problem with the etch not showing up on black or dark wine bottles. Under strong light I can see it, so I’ve used paint & wipe off. What am I doing wrong? I’ve used silk screen stencils, left on 15 mins. Very clean, remove stencil, cream is perfect in the design, thick. But after rinsing, its not prominent. If I need to color, no priblem, I love them, but wonder if I need to do something different?(no cricut)
I’ve been struggling to get good results with my etching, it always looks patchy after rinsing. I’m currently using wine bottles that I’ve been collecting, so they are larger projects and harder to keep the cream moving. Would it be easier to do it in sections? I will grab an old photo frame and try it on there, but looking for tips to do the bottles. I do use armour etch cream.
Jennifer, you know so much about this process I am wondering if you can help me at all! If I have some windows on a cabinet that were etched with a design I no longer want, could I apply Armour etch over the design, and end up with just an “etched glass” window? Thank you so much for any guidance you may have!!
Do you know if the 16oz cone bar glasses will be etchable? I cannot find a article anywhere for sublimation on these kind of glasses so I found this article and thought maybe this will work. I have a local bar asking for their logo on their glasses and I am having a hard time finding the right way to go about it.
All is bright! Happy 10th day of Christmas! My gosh the bottles are so fun! And I love that you can repurpose a bottle for this project. Who doesn’t have some empty wine bottles kicking around or that need to be drank this holiday season haha Thanks for the easy tips on what vinyl and transfer tape we need for this. As well as the Armour Etch recommendation and the premade wine bottle cork lights. That’s easy!