Glass Etching Craft

Glass etching is a simple craft as long as you follow a few cautionary rules while using the etching cream. The results make for beautiful personalized gifts that are very professional looking. Children can do this craft as well with some adult supervision as well as the adult finishing the project with the etching cream since it is hazardous.

Materials:

Contact paper
Decorative paper punch
Scissors
Clear glass plate
Disposable brush
Glass Etching cream
Paper towel
Rubbing alcohol

Process:

Using the contact paper and scissors, cut the contact paper into small squares, approximately 2" square. Placing a single square of contact paper into the paper punch, punch through the contact paper. The square is the piece you will keep and the shape will be discarded. Continue this process until you have as many shapes punched, as you desire.

Take some time to decide what pattern you want on your plate. The pattern can be randomly placed or more exacting. Once you are set on how you want the design, turn the glass plate over and clean the surface with a paper towel and rubbing alcohol. Be sure to remove any price stickers as well. The rubbing alcohol will remove any residue or grease and prepare the surface for etching.

Carefully begin to peal one contact paper square open and stick it down smoothly to the back of the glass plate. Gently rub with your finger to remove air bubbles and make a secure contact between the edge of the design and the plate. Continue this process until your desired design is acquired.

An adult in a well-ventilated area should do the next step with care. Open the etching cream and apply it to the design on the glass plate with the disposable brush. The best application is one where you gently tap the brush rather than stroke the surface of the plate to apply the etching cream. Allow the plate to sit for the amount of time indicated on the etching cream. This is typically five to eight minutes. Dispose of the paintbrush. Should you get etching cream on your skin, wash the area thoroughly right away.

Rinse the plate under running water to remove the etching cream. Lightly dry the plate. Remove the contact paper to reveal the design etched into the glass plate. Dispose of the used contact paper. Wash the plate again with running water and dish detergent. Dry the plate and use as you would any other plate.

Since the design is on the back, you do not have to worry about contact with your food. The etched design can go through the dishwashers as long as the plate chosen is dishwasher safe. If you are not satisfied with your design, you can etch the plate again until you have the desired amount of etched design.

The example show was made by a seven year old.

Suggestions:

Additional glass items can be etched. Look to your dollar store to find interesting items like picture frames, candy dishes, vases, and dinnerware.

This craft is easy enough to be done with children. Just make sure the etching cream steps are done by and adult. Communicate the necessary safety concerns to the children so they do not try the process alone.

It is recommended to use a punched pattern that is not overly detailed or very thin in areas. A more bold and solid design works best.

If you find it difficult to punch through the contact paper, turn your punch upside down and use your entire hand for pressure to punch through.