Learn how to etch glass quickly and easily

Finding glass when learning how to etch on is very easy and inexpensive. You can find dozens of glass items at flea markets and yard sales available for pennies. It doesn't matter whether the glass is clear or colored, htis is your personal preference. Walmart, Target and other discount stores have large sections of glassware as do your local craft stores. Finding glass is easy, choosing glass is the hard part. It's also the fun part. You are limited only by your imagination.

The Process

Clean your glass using window cleaner. If there are stickers on the bottom of your glass (some of these are really difficult to remove), now is the time to use "Goo Gone". This is a great product you can find in most craft stores. It almost instantly can remove those pesky stickers. Also if you bought your glass at a yard sale, it will remove any grease and/or grime on your container. Make sure the glass is dry and free of all dust and lint.

Cut a piece of contact paper at least a few inches larger than your pattern. Position the contact paper on your glass where you want the etching to be. Be sure to smooth out all air bubbles. Place the carbon paper or saral paper (a wax transfer paper available in craft and hobby stores) over the contact paper and then place the pattern over the carbon paper (secure these with a few, small pieces of masking tape if you like). Trace your pattern onto the contact paper. Once done, remove the pattern and carbon paper. In order to keep the etching cream from going where it doesn't belong, place masking tape around the stencil to prevent the cream from accidentally running over the edge onto your project.

Using a sharp utility knife cut all the details out of the contact paper. Remove pieces of the contact paper so only the sections of the glass that you want etched are exposed. If you are etching fragile or rounded edges such as champagne glasses, you can cut your stencil before placing it on the glass. It's best to use repositiional contact paper for this job. Cut your stencil on a piece of glass using an X-acto or utility knife. If you have a lazy susan or rotating "Olfa" cutting mat (available in fabric stores and quilt shops), this will make cutting curves much easier. Cut your stencil, remove the backing and position it onto your project. Be sure to rub over your stencil so that all the edges are attached securly. You don't want your project ruined because a small amount of cream crept under the edges of your stencil.

Put on the latex gloves. Use an art brush or a foam brush to spread a thick layer of etching cream onto the exposed sections of your design. Be generous with the etching cream. If it is applied to thinly, your pattern could look uneven or streaked.

Set your glass in a safe spot and wait the amount of time required for the brand of etching cream you are using (this can vary, usually from 5 to 15 minutes). Read the specific instructions for the brand of etching cream you purchased and follow their directions on how to etch glass with their brand of etching cream.

After the prescribed amount of time, remove the etching cream usually by running water over it. Once the cream is washed off you can remove the contact paper to reveal your design. Wash your glass and you are done. You now know how to etch glass!

What Next?

You can tell I'm not a professional photographer as I haven't been able to get a good picture of the finished project, with or without the flash. However, you get the idea and now know how to etch glass and create custom glass gifts. If you have enjoyed this process there are many projects you can complete including mirrors, trophies,or even glass Christmas ornaments.