Glass Etching at the Library

Yesterday's library craft program was glass etching. We used Armour Etch glass etching cream and a set of re-usable stencils from the district's craft program kits. We ordered some vases from Dollar Tree so people could prep for spring in the midst of our winter gloom. The opportunity to try a new craft was appreciated by our patrons who participated.

I have a few tips if you would like to try this craft at home yourself. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures on my phone from my test vase or my class demo vase, so unless I can update this later, this will be text-only.

1. Most glass works for this project. Pyrex can be very resistant to chemical etching though. That is why it is used in chemistary lab equipment, after all. Armour Etch won't etch plastics or metals.

2. Wash the glass to remove dust, fingerprints, and other contaminants. Handle the glass by places you don't plan to etch. Use rubbing alcohol to clean up any erant fingerprints that may occur anyway.

3. The cream will etch whatever oart of the glass it contacts. Apply it where you want it in the first place. If it goes elsewhere, it's already too late. If the stencil borders are too narrow, add masking tape. Ensure the tape and stencil edges are sealed, because otherwise the cream will work its way underneath.

4. I used wood tongue depressers to spread the cream over the stencils, and I think it works fine, but you can certainly try using a paintbrush. The brush will need to be dedicated to glass etching only.

5. Wait about 5 minutes for the cream to etch the glass. During that time, work the cream around a once or twice with the applicator tool to ensure even etching. If it is a larger area, feel free to wait longer and work the cream around the stencil pattern again.

6. When the time is up, rinse the cream off under running water and remove the stencil. Then scrub the etched area thoroughly. The etch may not be visiblenat first. Don't worry. Wash the object, dry it, and if you waited at least 5 minutes, your pattern will be quite visible.

7. Wear gloves when using this stuff. Definitely don't eat it. Follow the safety instructions on the bottle. I shouldn't need to say this, right?

8. When using stencils to etch, make sure your object only curves one way. A cylinder is fine. A cone will work in most cases. A fish bowl shape or other complex curve in multiple directions? Not so much.

If you want clearer instructions with step-by-step pictures, google "how to etch glass" and find some instructables or hobby blogs!