The steps showed you how easy it is to etch glass, whether etched by the cream or sandblaster method. Now you can make personalized items that are custom made for anyone you wish. But this is the easy part of glass etching; it can go beyond these simple methods to create mind blowing items with advanced methods and the use of solutions such as the ones explained here.
The following chapters reveal my real etching secrets that I am sharing with you to explain the equipment you need and the different types of methods that can be used. It covers different sandblasters, sandblasting cabinets, sandblasting abrasive, and etching supplies such as stencil resist creating, graphic designs & patterns. Some of my steps released may seem complicated at first, but once you follow my steps and try it a few times you should get the hang of it right away. You will begin to see how simple it is and the more possibilities it will give you quickly.
These are the basic steps for sandblast etching which is one of the most elegant processes.
- Follow the first 3 steps to the cream etching method by creating a stencil resist which was discussed before. Here I chose to etch from the backside of the glass. To do this I had to reverse the image in the software by using a “mirror tool”. Overall the other steps are relative, but the only difference is that you may want to use a thicker resist material if you are etching deep into the glass. Also, I masked all areas outside the glass to prevent over blast.
- Second, you need to take a sandblaster and blast the exposed areas of the stencil resist by abrading at a constant back and forth motion. Each stroke should be overlapped about 50% to evenly etch into the glass.
- Once, the glass is etched to your desired depth, you can peel the resist stencil off and clean up. Here I turned the etching around so it’s looked at from the other side. You can choose either side to etch, but just make sure that you “mirror” the design first in your software. If you’re sandcarving, you will want to etch it the same way I did here.
Check out my better mapped out and pictured glass etching tutorial information.
These are the simple steps it takes to etch a glass in a list form. I also provide some pictures on how to etch glass if your a visual learner. Well anyway, here are the steps to a very simple cream etching.
- First, you will need to find a design or pattern to mimic. You can design one in a graphics program which will allow you to include text, multiple different patterns, and other various editing tools. (See the Bonus section for free ones)
- Second, you need to need to draw, trace, or printout the design onto a resist material such as vinyl or rubber. You can use contact paper for cream etching which is low cost and sold at nearby hobby stores.
- Third, you will need to cut out the pattern by using a sharp knife such as a hobby knife. You just basically follow your traced lines. For this example, I used cutter equipment to manually cut out the design to size before I used a squeegee to apply the stencil to the glass. Depending on the stencil process, you can cut out the design before or after placing the stencil on the glass. After the design is cut, just pull out any of the cut pieces for areas that you want to expose for etching. Then place the newly cut stencil resist onto the glass by smoothly smearing it onto the glass with its adhesive backing. If it doesn’t have an adhesive backing, then you will need to apply glue to the stencil resist.
- Once in place, you’re ready for etching. Take the etching cream and evenly spread over the stencil.
- Wait a few minutes to allow it to etch. Then peel the resist stencil off and clean up.
- Then you have your finished acid cream etched glass.
Glass engraving can actually be done from home. You don’t need a high priced engraver machine. In fact, you can sometimes engrave things into your glass quicker when done by hand. Setting up the equipment and using the computer takes longer in the beginning, but this is mostly for engraving multiple objects. Since most hobbyist are only looking to customize one glass piece at a time, you can easily use cheaper tools. Here are some of the tools you can use to engrave glass:
- Rotary Engraver Tool: This is a motorized tool with a abrasive tip that spins. To acquire different engraved styles, you can vary up the different shapes of the tips. There are many brands that sell this type of rotary engravers. Some people just use a brand called Dremel, that essentially is created for other mechanical things.
- Vibrating Tips: Another tool I have seen is a simple tool that vibrates, rather than spins. It basically scratches the glass.
- Chipping Engraver: I have seen others that dig or chip into the material being engraved.
All of these can be used to engraving glass from home without having to spend a bunch of money. You can begin engraving glass or other materials for as low as $20 dollars. Some are more expensive, but ones at Harbor Freight Tools are much cheaper.
A little while back I got an email about some more information on how to price etched glass work. Here is his email with some of my responses:
“Hi, my name is Dan. I have recently got your e book, glass etching secrets. And it has helped me so much. Thanks a lot. I guess the only question I have left is, is there any advice or web pages that can help me with a guide line on how much I should be selling etched mugs for? I have made a few custom things an some vinyl signs but don’t know what to charge. Or how to lay it all out for people to see. If you could help me in any
way, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Dan”
Hi Dan, you should have the most recent one but I am constantly trying to improve it for
people so these questions actually help me develop a better source of information.
Now pricing can be complicated because it depends on what your etching, how much time it takes you, and what market your doing it for. If your etching it for other businesses or high priced glass, then it would be priced a lot higher.
My best advice is to look at what other people are pricing it for. But if it takes you
extra time as usual, then add a bit to it. More intricate designs can be priced higher.
- personalized-engraved-gifts.com/catalog/974- These are priced in the range of around $30 – $40 but the glass might be of higher quality.
But if you get into etching glass for high end items such as home glass, then it might be priced a few thousand dollars for a job. Such as work by these guys:
- sanssoucie.com
- chrissommer.com/etched-glass.php
As for smaller items, I think etching corporate glass gifts has the highest profitability margin. Here’s a guide for pricing glass blanks:
- rayzist.com/Education/SQ1-2-97.php#Sales
- rayzist.com/NewUsers/pricing.php
Also your work looks cool. I maybe able to give you some extra help promoting your stuff if your interested. Since I am not currently selling my work and am just doing it for a hobby, I would be willing to help your business out through my website for free. Iv’e done this for a lady named colleen with her business at the bottom of my etched glass page.
Let me know and I hope the best for your business.
-Eric
If anyone has questions, be sure to leave a comment or email me.
