How to Etch Glass—and How to Fake the Look Using Spray Paint

We may earn revenue from the product uncommitted on this page and participate in affiliate program . Learn More ›

If you ’re someone who keeps jars and cannister because “ you never know , they could come in ready to hand , ” this project is for you . engrave glass can unite all of those spare mismatched glass containers with a simple yet custom blueprint , be it a monogram or a geometric shape .

We ’ll teach you how to engrave glass and in effect sour former vases into candle votives , but there ’s no reason to stop there : Canning jars can become cool young drinking methamphetamine hydrochloride . Heck , you could dress up apparently - old wine glasses , windows , and even mirrors . Keep reading for two well-off methods for how to engrave glass : a traditional method acting using etching cream , and a shortcut method acting usingfrosted glasspaint that front just like the real thing .

how to etch glass

istockphoto.com Photo: istockphoto.com

Before You Begin

The traditional method for etch deoxyephedrine use a chemical substance - free-base cream that eat on away at the spyglass to permanently make a sensational design . This DIY method acting is well suited for creating customized drinking trash , gifts , and domicile creations . The second method acting achieves a standardized look , but uses frosted paint on the surface of the glass . This method is useful when make decorative piece , but is not an pick for running drinking glasses .

Etching glass , particularly the method acting that uses chemical etching cream , is not a project meant for children to undertake . Etching cream should only be used by adults who are wearing baseball glove and work carefully because it can cause austere burn and respiratory issues if not used carefully . Both of these etching method will release fumes in the air . Work in a well - ventilate area , ideally outside , and wear protective gloves .

How to Etch Glass Using Etching Cream

The traditional way to engrave designs onto the surface of glass is to use an acid cream of dilute chemicals . This cream is best used for humble project , like etch a design onto wine glasses . Using engrave cream on a orotund sphere , such as a shower doorway , can result in weak engraving or visible brushstrokes .

Etching emollient only works on desolate , uncoated drinking glass . If you ’re deck other types of shabu , it ’s best to use the second method in this how - to guide . The wait - alike method we explain later does not embed the design into the glassful airfoil itself . alternatively , it uses paint to create the illusion of etched glass .

SUPPLIES

STEP 1: Clean your glassware thoroughly.

No matter what kind of glassware you employ , it call for to be sportsmanlike . Useglass cleanerand a cleaning cloth to remove any dirt and oil so the stencil joystick . Improper cleaning may cause the stencil not to adhere properly , enabling the etching emollient to leak out under the edges of the stencil or not engrave properly .

invest yourglasswarethrough thedishwasheris a good starting point , but the dishwashing machine can provide particle residual on the methamphetamine hydrochloride . You involve to wash it by hand to take any detergent residue . If you ’re upcycling a glass that has glue or label residue , intoxicate the ice in hot water with some dish detergent , then scrub with a nylon scrub sponge .

STEP 2: Prepare your stencil.

Using a Cricut or Silhouette auto , you could make impost , precise vinyl radical designs for your glasswork . If you do n’t have one of these machines , you could purchase adhesive etching stencils for Methedrine , or write out your own unique purpose by paw with stencil vinyl radical and a utility tongue or scissor grip . allow for superfluous vinyl around the stencil to protect the relief of the glass from the etch pick .

If you go the DIY stencil route , the edge may be a little imperfect , even if you have a stiff manus . For a more professional effect , consider vest in a stencil kit . If you are planning to use the same stencil for multiple specs , stencil adhesive nebuliser will help the stencil stick securely to successive glasses .

STEP 3: Apply the stencil and cover any glass you wish to protect.

It ’s important to apply adhesive stencils to dry ice swimmingly and evenly . employ a pecker with a insipid , crude edge to smooth out the stencil and make all sides of it stick to the drinking glass . If you do n’t have stencil creature at home , a popsicle joint or an old credit bill will do the trick .

There has to be enough coverage on the glass around the stencil that when it get time to rinse off the glass with water , etch cream does not seep into areas where you do n’t want it . If your stencil is n’t large enough to track the intact glass , you’re able to use washi tape or painter ’s tape to cover it up .

STEP 4: Paint a thick layer of etching cream over the stencil and leave it on for a few minutes.

Do one last inspection of the stencil placement . Once the etching cream is applied , there ’s no going back . etch designs are lasting and any error will have to be built into your excogitation , or you ’ll have to protrude over with another deoxyephedrine .

Put on your protective gloves and sum up a generous amount of etching ointment to a paintbrush , but do n’t use so much that the cream drop off . struggle the itch to make brushstrokes , instead , dab the emollient onto the methamphetamine until there is a quarter inch of etch emollient over the stencil . The etch ointment you use will advise how farseeing to leave the pick on the glass , typically from one to several second .

STEP 6: Rinse the glass and remove your stencil.

Rinse the glass in the sink to dispatch the etching pick . The instructions on your etching cream will advise which temperature to expend ; typically affectionate piddle is recommended . seek to make the water run off in one direction to boil down the voltage for etching cream to go where you do n’t want it and avoid using too much H2O insistency . Keep your gloves on , as you may necessitate to rub a little to remove all of the etching cream .

Once all the cream is removed , carefully peel off your adhesive stencil and execute it under piddle to make certain you slay all of the cream .

STEP 7: Wash the glass really well, then enjoy!

Since this craft project uses chemicals , you require to be very certain the glass is clean before you practice it — especially if it ’s a boozing methamphetamine . After you remove the stencil , use a spyglass cleaner to really clean the surface .

etch glass can be washed in thedishwasher , just make trusted to condition the label on the brand you ’re using to affirm it ’s dependable to do so , or otherwise you ’ll have to hand - rinse it . Once the glass has been through the dishwashing machine , it ’s ready to be used !

How to Etch Glass with Frosted Glass Paint

Thanks to today ’s selection ofpaints , the etched glassful result is very light to reach without actually etching . The secret to the simplicity here is forgoing traditional etch cream , which consists of a figure of diluted chemicals , for a frosted glass spray blusher . Working with a glass etching cream entails don study gloves and wait for chemicals to engrave the meth , but frosted glass spray paint is a more conversant sensitive .

Etching cream is advisable for diminished projects only , but this spray method acting can work on both big and small pieces of methamphetamine . With it , you ’re really applying a flat , semi - transparent paint — one thatcan be removed , even , if you change your mind .

STEP 1: Clean the glass.

Clean your glass of any rubble and fingerprints before starting any work , then dry out with a lint - free cloth . To see whether your glass has been cleaned sufficiently , confine it up to a shiny luminousness . If there are tiny bits of detritus clinging to the glass , It may come off after painting , leave animperfectionin your design . This looking glass is your canvas ; you need it clean and ironic before legal proceeding .

STEP 2: Design your stencil.

Now , on to the design ! You do n’t need particular chalk etching stencil , though these are easy to find online . Freestyle a design on the glass using the painter ’s tape . Once you have a basic intention on your glass , you could slice the strip longways to make thinner , more detailed lines .

STEP 3: Cover any areas that you don’t want to paint.

You must cover all the areas that you need to keep clear . Fill in blank area with more painter ’s taping or washi tape . mag tape a piece of newspaper over gravid area you do n’t want to cut across with the engrave effect for shelter . Just like with the etching pick method , keep the glass under the stencil pristine .

STEP 4: Evenly spray on the frosted-glass paint and let dry.

Outside or in a well - ventilate place , apply a fragile coating of frosted glass nebulizer blusher to your methamphetamine container . At first , the blusher is almost unseeable , but it will appear as it starts drying in the stick to 10 minutes . Spray two or three tenuous coats ( following the maker ’s recommendations for dry meter between passes ) until you are slaked with the result .

STEP 5: Once dry, remove the stencil.

Once the key has dried , remove the mag tape . At this item , you could produce an even more detailed design by applying new tape in several layers of painter ’s tape . Do n’t be afraid to overlap the dry paint ; it should n’t peel when you take it off . rather , after you recur step 1 through 4 , you ’ll unwrap to unwrap a unexampled finished design with two levels of etching : The glassful will be most opaque where it was etch twice and only lightly frosted where you ’ve only etched once .

STEP 6: Enjoy your look-alike DIY etched glassware!

After you ’re stop , put the remade etched methamphetamine hydrochloride cups to influence . We place some candles in these vases to light our cozy patio corner . If you apply citronella candles , you ’ll also keep bugs aside during summer night out of doors .

Etched deoxyephedrine tumblers and standard candle holders sate with citronella lights can aid transform your outside entertaining area . You recognise what else will transform the patio space ? A DIYcooler tablefor refreshments and a geometricwall treillage . you could see them get together in the picture below and get their tutorialshere .

Final Thoughts

engrave ice individualize any number of item throughout a habitation , and it makes a terrificpersonalized gift . The two method acting of engrave meth limn above both produce sensational results , but it ’s important to consider the function of the item you ’re etching before you decide which method to use .

engrave ointment does n’t work on all types of Methedrine , however , chemical engraving make household goods keep back their function . This method can be used on glasses from which you drink and is a dish washer - safe way to engrave . Though it ’s relatively simple , use of glass etch cream requires persevering safety .

Using rouge to create an etch effect raise your decor , and can be used on most glass items quite easily . project where you specify to salt away nutrient or drinks , or wet environs , like shower bath doors , are not recommend for this method of etching .

how to etch glass

Photo: istockphoto.com

FAQs

There are a few different room to make a stencil for etch methamphetamine . If you have a Cricut or Silhouette car at home , you could select an icon from their design program library or produce your own , and the machine will thin the stencil into adhesive vinyl . Otherwise , you could cut out an persona oncontact paper , using either one you find online , or one you draw yourself .

you could use aDremelon glass , and there are a few different glass task that can benefit from it . You require to use the correct Dremel bit , and the method you use to cut the glass depends on how you want to mold the deoxyephedrine , whether that means boring a hollow , turn out a bottle in one-half , reshaping a mirror , or something else .

The best mode to etch words onto ice and achieve a glass engraving core is by using a stencil with adhesive vinyl . Use computer software program to find a font you like , and have your Cricut or Silhouette auto precisely trim down out the words . Otherwise , you ’ll have to cut out the word on your contact composition using a usefulness tongue or scissors . Letter stencils have small piece for the centers of letters like A , O , phosphorus , R , etc . check that you stick these midget pieces to the deoxyephedrine to accurately mould the letter .

how to etch glass

Photo:SmartScreenStencilsat etsy.com

This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation

Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this refurbishment the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to quell on budget .

how to etch glass

Photo:SmartScreenStencilsat etsy.com

how to etch glass