Glass Etching

Glass etching is a great craft because it is easy even though it looks like you put a ton of work into it.

The basic steps are to find a template or create one, attach it to your glass and apply the Etching cream. After you wash it off, remove your template and your done. It is pretty simply but here is a more detailed tutorial. The main concern when using Armour Etch is that it can be dangerous if it touches your skin. It will be eating away at the glass so imagine what it could do to your skin! This is definitely not a kids project, but most adults can do this without a problem.

I recommend using vinyl to make your template. I used a Cricut cutting machine to make my design but you could also purchase stickers or use scissors to make your own.

First of all I practiced cutting my design on white paper so that I could figure out what size I wanted without wasting my precious vinyl. I ended up using the Storybook cartridge and border on page 55 at a size of 3-3/4". I then cut this out on vinyl and removed the inside cut.



Apply a transfer tape over the top to make it easier to transfer all the little pieces to the jar.


Carefully remove the vinyl and tape from the cutting board. This was a little tricky and I had to use my spatula to make sure all the pieces stuck to the tape. Then I transferred it to the jar using the grid to center it.


Remove the tape and press out any bubbles. This took a little while and I used my spatula again to press on bubbles and even pulled some pieces up and re-positioned them. It is pretty important not to have bubbles or the cream will seep under the vinyl. I did leave some because it is tricky on round glass. As you can see I also added tape so that I didn't have to worry about the cream going  anywhere I didn't want.


Now I was ready to collect my supplies. I chose all disposable supplies because Armour Etch is pretty harsh stuff. Armour Etch can be found at PinSupplies.com.


I then applied a thick coat by dabbing the sponge all over. Make sure it is a pretty even layer but also thick.


Armour Etch says to leave it on for 60 seconds, but I left it on for 10 minutes. I wiped the extra cream off with wipes then rinsed the rest off under water. Supposedly you can save the cream, but I didn't think this was necessary. I had some seepage under some of the vinyl but overall the design I wanted turned out nicely.



I put some Epsom salt on the bottom and then a candle. I think it turned out great and was quite easy to do. It took an hour and a half to complete from start to finish.


I also did the reverse of this image using the inside of the template on the jar. A lot of people liked this one better because the glass is cloudier and create a nicer look with a candle.



Using Armour Etch actually erodes the glass very slightly to create this etching look. It is permanent and cannot be rubbed off with your fingers. You could try a similar look with a cloudy vinyl but it would be removable. A sandblaster can also be used, but Armour Etch is a lot easier for small projects like these. Armour Etch says that it is dishwasher safe.

It can be used on many projects like vases, glasses, mirrors and kitchen bake-ware. Try etching someones name or initials on their glass baking dish or names on beer mugs for wedding gifts. I adore this dish with a bird from Make It and Love It, I found it on Pinterest. There is so much potential! I think everyone should keep Armour Etch in their supplies for last minute gifts.