Acid etched glass can be beautiful and functional. It can let in natural light, all while assuring privacy. Today’s etching cream is safe to use, making etched glass an idea project for the home. Listed below is everything that you will need for this project, as well as the steps to take.
Clean your glass. You need to start with a squeaky clean glass surface before you begin etching. Was the glass throughly, using a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Microfiber is a good choice. Any lint left behind by paper towels or other clothes could affect the outcome.
Choose an easy pattern to use as a guide for your etching. They make several different patterns in a peel and stick version. The pattern will stay secure on the glass until you need it to come off at the end of your project. You can also have a custom stencil made for you.
You will need a flat edge to help you adhere the stencil to the glass and make sure that all of the air bubbles are pressed out of it before you begin. This can be anything from a professional smoothing tool to a credit card. Start at the top and work your way down the stencil.
If your stencil does not take up the full length and breath of your glass, you will need to mask the exposed areas to protect them from the etching cream. You can use adhesive-backed clear contact paper for this purpose.
Don dishwashing gloves to protect your hands from the cream before you begin. It could be irritating to your skin. Carefully spread the cream over the openings in your stencil. Work from the edges in, so you avoid getting cream under the edges. You want to apply it in a thick coat with a soft-bristle artist’s brush. Allow it to set for the recommended time.
Next, take a sponge dipped in warm water and use it to rinse the cream off of the glass. Work from top to bottom. Before you toss the cleanup water, add a little baking soda to it to neutralize it.
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