Question

how to chemically etch glass

Answer 1

Chemically etching glass involves using a cream that reacts with the glass surface to create a frosted effect¹. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. **Preparation**: Clean the glass surface to remove any dust or residues¹.

2. **Masking**: Apply a stencil or mask to the glass surface. The mask should cover the areas that you do not want to etch¹.

3. **Etching**: Apply a thick layer of etching cream (like Armour Etch) onto the exposed areas of the glass⁴. You can use a brush to massage the cream into your design⁴.

4. **Waiting**: Leave the cream on for about 10-15 minutes². Gently moving the etching cream around every 5 minutes will help even out the etch².

5. **Rinsing**: Rinse with lots of water immediately after application to stop the etching process¹.

6. **Removing the Mask**: Once the etching is complete, remove the stencil or mask¹.

Please note that working with etching cream requires caution. Always work in a well-ventilated area and use protective gloves and eyewear. The results can vary depending on the concentration of the cream, the type of glass, and the duration of the etching process. It's always a good idea to test this method on a scrap piece of glass first¹.

Source:
(1) Chemical Etching of Glass : 12 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables. https://www.instructables.com/Chemical-Etching-of-Glass/.
(2) How to Etch Glass An Easy DIY Tutorial - Dazzling Hospitality. https://www.dazzlinghospitality.com/etch-glass/.
(3) Glass Etching is SO EASY (and CHEAP!) (Cricut + Armour Etch). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iDzo-dNkdM.
(4) Glass etching - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_etching.