How to Etch Glass: Step-by-step process

Hey everyone, here is a step-by-step tutorial with pictures on how to etch a glass and make it look really good!

First there are some items that you will need to have. (Not pictured scotch tape and the font I used.)

Only one x-acto knife is needed, I just showed more than one.

 

You will need a clean glass, masking tape, scotch tape, x-acto knife, old brush or sponge brush, armour etch cream (you can find at most hobby stores, Walmart has it online too) and an image or font style that you would like to use.



STEP 1. Choose a font style and size that you would like on your glass. Make sure it's big enough to look nice on the size glass you chose. Also if it's more of a delicate font you might consider BOLDing it. For my glasses I make the words about 3 inches long. Too much bigger and it gets distorted around the glass (then you need to mess with the curve of the font so it looks straight on your glass). Too small and you will want to pull your hair out when cutting out the letters! Once I like the font I chose for a project and the size is right I print it out and cut it to size. (I used Microsoft Word font style Vivaldi size 72 BOLD for this project.)




I cut the extra paper off leaving just what I needed for this project.

 

 

STEP 2. On a clean glass, tape 2 layers of masking tape (I use painters tape) where you want the image or font to be located. You may want to tape the whole glass or a larger area than I did when you're first starting. (The etching cream can be runny and it will etch the glass where it touches, so be careful. More on that part in a bit.)

 

Place the masking tape where you want the image to be.
Make sure your glass is clean!!!

 

 

 

 STEP 3. Using clear tape, tape the font into place, making sure that it's straight. I usually tape the four edges on trying not to overlap the letters too much. The more tape you have on the more pressure you will need when cutting out the letters.

 

Tape the font to the masking tape, making sure it's straight.

 

 

 

STEP 4. Using your x-acto knife, begin carefully cutting out the letters. You want to remove what you want to etch. So if you want the words to be etched you must cut out the positive space and leave the negative space. (The positive space is the black and the negative space is the white.)



As you can see it looks like I'm cutting out the negative
space... don't worry I'm cutting out the letters and leaving the negative
or background space...you will see it more clearly soon.



 STEP 5. Finish cutting out your letters and removing the tape. Leave the tape of the negative/background space. You will be left with all the tape except the letters. Here are a few images I took along the way.

All letters but the "d" & "s" are removed.



The "f" is removed. I should have put a bright paper in the glass so you could see more clearly.
 

This is what it should look like before the etching cream is added.

 

IMPORTANT STEP!!!!STEP 6. Press the tape firmly on the glass. Make sure to carefully go around each letter to ensure a secure adhesion. If the tape is not secure you might end up with bleeding around your letters.

STEP 7. Using the sponge brush apply the etching cream. Apply liberally and then carefully remove the excess so it doesn't run down off the tape. Make sure it's all covered evenly. Leave it on for 5 minutes.

Apply etching cream liberally but be careful! You might
want to wear rubber gloves if you are one to get messy. Safety first!

STEP 8. Rinse your glass under warm water to remove the etching cream. Remove the tape and wash the glass with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry.


STEP 9. Enjoy your beautiful professional looking glass!

Feel free to add some extra touches with enamel paints.