How to Etch Glass Perfectly: Tips and Tricks for BETTER Results!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- Etching is a fun way to make personalized gifts. And if you combine a glass etching cream like Armour Etch with the precision cutting of a Cricut cutting machine, you can get really amazingly crip and beautiful results. Over the years, I've shared six tutorials on how to etch glass -- everything from the basics of etching to how to specifically etch ornaments, cookie jars, glasses, and wine bottles. Collectively, we've all made tens of thousands of etching projects, and we've learned many tips and tricks for getting our etched projects to turn out great from the start. So let's talk today about how to increase your chances of getting a beautiful etch when you use Armour Etch and a vinyl stencil!
First, let's just talk about our materials needed for etching and what's important to know about each one.
Etching Cream Matters -- I use Armour Etch, and only Armour Etch. Armour Etch is a brand of etching cream that is used to etch designs into glass and other surfaces. It's a thick cream that is applied to the surface, where it reacts with the glass to create a permanent, frosted effect. There are other etching creams out there, but what I've heard from those that have used them are mixed results. So I will always recommend what I know works, and that's Armour Etch.
Shelf Life -- Armour Etch claims not to have an expiration date, but in our experience, the older it is, the thicker it gets and the harder it is to get a smooth etch. So while there is expiration date, sure, there is a shelf life to it. If it's more than a couple of years old or just seems REALLY thick, get a new bottle. If you can't get a new bottle, store your bottle upside down for a while before you use it, then shake it SUPER WELL to get it mixed as well as possible.
The temperature of your Armour Etch matters, too. It needs to be at at least 70 degrees Farenheit, as well as whatever you're etching.
Surface Matters -- First, you should know that Armour Etch works on glass and a few other surfaces like slate and some glazed ceramics, but NOT plastic and not metal. Most people use it to etch glass. But not all glass is going to be etchable with etching cream. Some people will tell you that Pyrex won't etch, but I've etched Pyrex successfully as well as other brands. Some were new, some were old. It's not the brand or age that matters , but the glass composition. Not all glass compositions are the same, and thus not all react the same to the etching cream. In my experience, the higher quality glass that is "shatter resistant" are the ones the less likely to etch. Dishes made of Borosilicate WILL NOT WORK. Borosilicate glass is a tougher type of glass. If you see a note that your dish is very scratch and impact resistant to withstand rapid temperature changes, it’s possible it may not work to etch correctly.
But -- good news -- you can test in advance if your glass will etch! Just put a VERY small amount of etching cream on the bottom of your casserole dish. You can use a small paintbrush or even a toothpick to do it to make sure you’re putting just a dot. Leave it there for a few minutes, then wash and dry and examine. If it etched well, you’re good to go. If you can barely see it, or can’t see it at all, your glass casserole dish is not a good candidate for etching.
Vinyl Types -- A vinyl stencil allows us to etch beautiful designs with crisp edges, but the type of vinyl you use matters. You want permanent vinyl that is not over its shelf life of a couple of years. Do not use removable vinyl, as it won't form as a tight a seal when etch. Just use permanent vinyl, any color, that is not terribly old.
00:50 - Glass etching materials and tools
9:30 - How to apply a vinyl stencil decal to a curved surface for glass etching
13:30 - Applying etching cream to glass
18:00 - How long should I leave etching cream on glass? Compare examples
23:00 - Glass etching practice and troubleshooting
25:35 - Q&A on How to Etch Glass
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Jennifer, you just amazed me. You was the one who introduced me to crafting. I love your diligence and patience when you thoroughly explain each techniques and steps in all your videos. May God continue to flourish you, your family and team with an abundance of Blessings and Overflow 😊
This was an amazing lesson. It’s my first time and now I feel confident after watching your video. Great work!
Yay! Rock on!
You are so incredibly thorough! As someone who is just looking to do this once and has no prior knowledge of any of this kind of stuff, you really hit practically every one of my million questions!
I am so happy to hear that!
I have been etching glass using Armour Etch cream and stencils for over 20 years and watching this, I gained some new tips I didn't know. Thanks!
do you know how to remove some dots of unwanted etching cream on a glass???
Your videos 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
Jennifer, thank you so much. You always do excellent training. I have learned so much from you. Thanks for being such a fun, caring, and sharing crafter!!
I love the variety of talents Jennifer. I love trying different projects! Thank you!
So glad!
So awesome! Thanks for this, I've just started venturing into glass etching and your videos have helped immensely. I always trust your guidance on all things crafty.
Holy cow! 17:10 where you show the different results really excited me. It's like YOU did the mistakes for me! I can't wait to get started!
We make mistakes so you don't have to! 😁 Glad you liked it!
Another fantastic video. Thank you so much Jennifer Maker. I love all these helpful videos!!!!
Great video!
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.
Awesome! Those are great tips!
My first time live!❤. I’m can’t wait 😃
Love this series. I plan to go back and watch all the ones I missed!
Watching the replay sorry I missed the live
I listen to Christmas music all year round too!
About to do my first one so glad I found this, amazing!
Thank you!
I just made a shadow box to my cousin who was visiting NY for first time with her 4 years old son. When she saw the shadow box it brought tears on her eyes
Amazing!! Hi! I have frosted glass, what type of vinyl sticks to frosted glass? Thanks!!
LOVE LOVE these lives! Its nice to feel among friends! Learning sooo much, I have been so scared to use my Circuit Thank You for the Confidence!!
Love the etched bottles and glasses!!
I Etched years ago and feel in love with it. I Etched Windows, mirrors EVERYTHING!
Wow, I love these wine bottles! Great ideas.
Thank you for sharing your etching time experiment. That was really helpful.
Great video!!! Got all my questions and doubts covered
Glad to hear that!
Journals for coworkers this weekend! I liked your tips for Modge podge too
Jennifer, this project is so cute wow I love love it.
I love the clear ones they gorgeous
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!
Love your videos, ideas and enjoy your fabulous personality
Great tutorial. Can’t wait to try it.
Watching replay, sorry I missed the live presentation.
Superb ideas for etching 😊
You are so beautiful and your videos are all so perfect. Thank you do much Jennifer
Thank you so much!
I'm cleaning up my wreath mess and setting up gingerbread house materials. I'm on schedule!
Great video! Do you have any tips for faster stencil removal after rinsing? Thank you!
No, it should come of easily.
So Happy I made it today.
Thank you sooo much for your great videos!
Glad you like them!
Excellent video! Thanks
Thank you & I’m enjoying
Can not wait to do this!
Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much for this helpful video!! I have questions: once I rinse off the etch cream and remove the vinyl, what are the next steps? Do I wash the glass with dish soap to clean it properly if I’m selling it?
Take a look at my more detailed tutorial for this project, jennifermaker.com/how-to-etch-glass-vinyl-cricut/ ❤️
Such great ideas.
I am interested in this process to make some anti-newton-ring glass. Going to have to try it.
That's neat!🥰
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.
Here is a tutorial. jennifermaker.com/wine-bottle-art/
It's a wooden ant that you put together. It's really cool looking but I took it apart so I can paint the individual pcs. I think it will look even better painted
Thank you for including Hanukkah!
Perfect. Thank you.
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!!
most likely that won't work and you would still see the original etching. Those were probably either sand blasted or laser etched🥰
I love you Jennifer you Rock!!!
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 was wondering about the glasses. I see many wine glasses that are crystal, lead free crystal and glass. Which ones will etch?
The surface must be glass 😊🌻
Crystal is just glass with different additives. However it is more porous. This gives it the nice refractory quality, but also might make etching cream react unevenly. Also depending on how much reinforcing metals were added, it may be much more resistant to the etching cream to begin with. I probably wouldnt try it unless they were glasses you wouldnt mind throwing away.
Hi! Your video has been super helpful!! When applying the cream should you move it around for 5 minutes and then wait 5 more? Or just move it around for 5 minutes and immediately rinse?
You can keep it on longer for better results.
What I most love about crafting is messing up with peoples emotions ❤️
Cutout layered Princess Tiana for my Granddaughters birthday!
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)
It may be the dark glass does not show up as well. I would need to test that.
I’m loving this video but I’m curious about messing up. If there’s part of the glass that are lighter than the rest can you put more cream on and do it again?
You sure can! 🥰
Great video Jennifer! Many helpful hints!! Thank you!
Can I do Etching on Coffee Mugs? Is Etching safe with hot drinks?
Only if they are glass coffee mugs 💗
Good point about but using your phone as a timer! That would so be me. Lol Thank you!
Hi thanks for your professional video. I have 2 questions. I have seen Armour Etch in 2 colours, red and blue letters, is it the same or any difference between them? The other question is, how do you was off the cream from a big glass, like even the one is already stands as window. Thanks in advance
I am not aware of that. Read the label to see if there might be a difference. You might want to use an outdoor hose.
How do you add on toxic gold around the glass rimm when you are do e etchinhobg? Whether can I get some unique wine bottles that you can put lights in?
I haven't applied the gold around the rim of glasses so I'm not sure about that. As for the unique bottles, you can find them many places such as thrift stores, flea markets and even ebay.💗
Can the final product be washed in the dishwasher? When washing the etching product off, does it hurt the drain? Are your remarks in the description printable? Thank you so very much for the fabulous tutorial! 💜💜💜
You can wash it. Here is a tutorial. jennifermaker.com/etched-casserole-dish/
The etching cream won't hurt the drain, BUT it could etch porcelain or glass sinks. So only rinse in a fiberglass or metal sink.
Do you know if there’s a way like a reusable template instead of having to weed and apply this every time? I have about 125 wedding guests I’d need to do this for.
Not really as the permanent vinyl seals for a good barrier.
Pretty!
so bummed. Even though I watched and commented on lives, my time in the day is short. Thought I could rewatch the lives to grab the bonus codes I wasnt keeping track of. Ugh! So much for assuming.
interesting as ever
Reverse canvas signs for Christmas presents 🎁
If it want to etch the whole bottle (like the wine bottles) without designs, do I still need to use stencil?
Yes. Do you just want to frost the glass?
Do you know if the 16oz cone bar glasses will be etchable? I cannot find a video anywhere for sublimation on these kind of glasses so I found this video 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.
It should be fine. The only problem with glass not etching is if it is made from borosilicate. Here is the note on my casserole blog post. Please note: Dishes made of Borosilicate WILL NOT WORK. Dishes from Ikea and some other brands of dishes may be made of borosilicate glass, therefore, they will not work. Borosilicate glass is a tougher type of glass. If you see a note that your dish is very scratch and impact resistant to withstand rapid temperature changes, it’s possible it may not work to etch correctly. Please check the etching cream manufacturer’s website for more information. jennifermaker.com/etched-casserole-dish/
Can you etch a glass that is frosted already?
I don't think it would be visible, since the surface is already abraded. 😊🌻
Will this work on good plastic glasses for outside
Etching cream, such as Armor Etch, is specifically designed for use on glass and will not work on plastic. The chemical reaction that etching cream relies on to create the etched effect only occurs with glass.
looking for christmas lanterns to do
Jennifer, I'm wondering if you were making a set of glasses, could you use cricut stencil material to make the stencil reusable for all the glasses?
Unfortunately, when you are etching, you cannot reuse a vinyl stencil whether it is premium vinyl or cricut stencil material. This is because you have to use water to clean the stencil off after applying the etching cream.
Is there a way to remove mistakes on a design or do it have to be done over?
Unfortunately not, 😔
@@JenniferMaker I did it over and did a great job. I love watching your videos. I have learned a lot from your videos. Thank you so much❤
what kind of glasses can we use with armour etch? I used this glass sold online and the armour etch didnt stick
Most any glass except for borosilicate glass, because it's too hard 😊🌻
@@JenniferMaker thank you!
Is there a tutorial link on making those gift tags where you show/reveal the winner at the end of the vid? I'd love to make them
Yes! jennifermaker.com/make-gift-tags-cricut/
Can armour etch new used on resin surfaces?
It works on windows, mirrors and household glassware.
i like your video🎄🎆✨
How can we add colour
What brand of window film are you using, where do you get it
We used permanent vinyl for the stencil.
Thank you for your prompt reply
is there any product you can put on the glass (maybe paint) that the etching cream would not etch that area?
The permanent vinyl is a good blocker. Nothing else is needed if you got a good seal.
Treat boxes and Christmas card
Can I use removable vinyl?
You can try it. I like to use permanent vinyl because it gives a good seal when etching.
joy transfer to glass boxes without messing up
Can you use this on tempered glass?
Yes
Thank you! Your video has been very helpful for for us first time etchers. I have a lantern from target I wanted to etch as part of a wedding present, but wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to mess it up. Well I still might! Ha😂🤦🏽♀️
where do you get the corks with the lights
Hi jennifer did you say 7 degrees or 70 degrees as I cant catch it and captions aren't on thank you
I have captions for this video. I am not sure what you are referring to. jennifermaker.com/etched-wine-glasses/
How many times can you use one stencil ,I need to make up 50 glasses for a school reunion
one time 🥰
Hi, can you show us how to etch photo on glass please? Thanks
You can request that. jennifermaker.com/projectrequests/
What do you use to cover the whole wine bottle a brush or foam ?
I like using a brush🥰
Is there a way to wipe off parts that did run???
Not if it etched on it. That is permanent.
Jennifer, any tips on how to make the parts that got messed up less visible?
i love you !!!!!!!
Mod Podge brushes are the best - large and tiny
Aw, you are so sweet.
Omg I hate trying to use the transfer tape
How would you do double walled glass Jennifer x
Double walled? You can still etch on the outside of it.
How were you able to etch pyrex?
I’ve heard reports that older Pyrex casserole dishes, like those made before 1998, were made of a different type of glass (called borosilicate) that is harder to etch. But most of the Pyrex casserole dishes sold in the U.S. since then etch just as well as any other sort of glass. So don’t worry too much about this unless you’re using a pretty old casserole dish. For this tutorial, I am using a 2-quart 7″ x 11″ Pyrex oblong baking dish that I bought from Amazon - links to everything in this tutorial are below.
Please note: Dishes made of Borosilicate WILL NOT WORK. Dishes from Ikea and some other brands of dishes may be made of borosilicate glass, therefore, they will not work. Borosilicate glass is a tougher type of glass. If you see a note that your dish is very scratch and impact resistant to withstand rapid temperature changes, it’s possible it may not work to etch correctly. Please check the etching cream manufacturer’s website for more information. jennifermaker.com/etched-casserole-dish/
Do you have to wear a mask when using etch cream?
It is recommended to work in a well lighted and well ventilated area near a water source. Wear plastic gloves and protective eye-wear. The chemicals are harmful to bare skin and can irritate or even burn it if not washed off immediately. So you'll need to wear latex gloves, and can wear glasses. You can wear a dust mask as the glass particles are small and hazardous if breathed in for precaution.
How do you do that perforation? Perforation tool doesn’t cut like that?
Here are all of the directions. jennifermaker.com/etched-wine-glasses/
@@JenniferMaker I was asking about the tear open tags I was watching, i dont know how that question got under this video.
I use my weeder tool
What are into gloves and where do you get it?
You can use the dish gloves from a dollar store and or super market.
I'm working on dog blankets for the shelter.
Love this. How can i enter? And is it international?
It is only US and Canada. You can enter here. jennifermakeracademy.com/25daygiftaway/
@@JenniferMaker ahh thank you but sadly i cant enter because i life in the netherlands (europe)…
I wanna do this but I can't find anyone to make my custom stencil
You can put in a request for a blog post. jennifermaker.com/projectrequests/
I did that couple of times no response