How To: Glass Etching Cream

May 20, 2023

How to Create Beautiful Etched Designs on Glass with Poppy Crafts Etching Cream and Metamark Stencil Adhesive Vinyl.

Trying a new craft like Glass Etching can be daunting but don't worry! We've broken down the steps with easy to follow instructions and images. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a beginner, this easy-to-follow tutorial will help you get started on your etching journey.

Materials:

Before we dive into the process, make sure you have the following materials at hand:

• Poppy Crafts Etching Cream 
• Metamark Stencil Adhesive Vinyl (or any removable or permanent adhesive will work)
• A glass object to etch (e.g., vase, jar, mirror)
• Transfer tape 
• Scissors
• Vinyl Cutter 
• Gloves
• A paintbrush - our preference is a foam brush
  
  

Step 1:

Creating the Stencil

The first step is to create a stencil. We recommend using Metamark Stencil Adhesive Vinyl for cutting the stencil. It's just like regular vinyl however, it's transparent blue colouring makes it easy to see your decal and remove after etching.

When choosing your design try to avoid super detailed designs. The more intricate design is, the tricker it is to get a crisp and clean etch. 

Use your machine to cut your design in the stencil vinyl. We highly recommend adding a weeding box around the outside like the auto weed box feature in the Siser Leonardo software. 

When weeding, you want to remove the design (not the outside). This will feel weird as it's backwards on how we usually weed designs. Trust the process it'll work out! 

Apply your transfer tape using a squeegee and apply your stencil to your glass object. Make extra care to remove all bubbles and that the vinyl is adhered really well. I like to use some masking tape outside the design to make sure the rest of the glass is well protected and no drips of etching cream making it outside the desired area.

Step 2: Applying the Etching Cream

Now it's time to apply the Poppy Crafts Etching Cream to the glass object:

1. Put on your gloves to protect your hands (do as we say not as we do) 
2. Using a paintbrush, apply a thick and even layer of etching cream over the entire stencil area.
3. Be generous with the cream, ensuring full coverage.
4. Leave the cream on for 3-5 minutes
5. Set a timer and let the cream work its magic.

Step 3: Finishing Touches

Once the etching time is up, it's time to remove the etching cream and put the final touches on your project:

1. Carefully scrape off the etching cream using a craft knife or spatula, making sure to collect and discard the cream properly.
2. Rinse the glass object under running water to remove any remaining cream.
3. Peel off the vinyl stencil, taking care not to damage the etched design.
4. Wash the glass object with soap and water to remove any residual cream.
5. Dry the glass object using a clean cloth or let it air dry.
   
   When wet your design may be less noticeable. Wait till the object dries completely before enjoying your design. 

Congratulations! You've successfully created a beautiful etched design on glass using Poppy Crafts Etching Cream and Metamark Stencil Adhesive Vinyl. This versatile technique allows you to personalise and transform various glass objects into unique works of art. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't hesitate to experiment with different designs and ideas.

To get started on your own etching projects, you can find Poppy Crafts Etching Cream and Metamark Stencil Adhesive Vinyl on our website. We can't wait to see what you create!

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