How to Etch Glass Perfectly: Tips and Tricks for BETTER Results!

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Etching is a fun way to make personalized gifts. And if you combine a glass etching cream like Armour Etch with the precision cutting of a Cricut cutting machine, you can get really amazingly crip and beautiful results. Over the years, I've shared six tutorials on how to etch glass -- everything from the basics of etching to how to specifically etch ornaments, cookie jars, glasses, and wine bottles. Collectively, we've all made tens of thousands of etching projects, and we've learned many tips and tricks for getting our etched projects to turn out great from the start. So let's talk today about how to increase your chances of getting a beautiful etch when you use Armour Etch and a vinyl stencil!

First, let's just talk about our materials needed for etching and what's important to know about each one.

Etching Cream Matters -- I use Armour Etch, and only Armour Etch. Armour Etch is a brand of etching cream that is used to etch designs into glass and other surfaces. It's a thick cream that is applied to the surface, where it reacts with the glass to create a permanent, frosted effect. There are other etching creams out there, but what I've heard from those that have used them are mixed results. So I will always recommend what I know works, and that's Armour Etch.

Shelf Life -- Armour Etch claims not to have an expiration date, but in our experience, the older it is, the thicker it gets and the harder it is to get a smooth etch. So while there is expiration date, sure, there is a shelf life to it. If it's more than a couple of years old or just seems REALLY thick, get a new bottle. If you can't get a new bottle, store your bottle upside down for a while before you use it, then shake it SUPER WELL to get it mixed as well as possible.

The temperature of your Armour Etch matters, too. It needs to be at at least 70 degrees Farenheit, as well as whatever you're etching.

Surface Matters -- First, you should know that Armour Etch works on glass and a few other surfaces like slate and some glazed ceramics, but NOT plastic and not metal. Most people use it to etch glass. But not all glass is going to be etchable with etching cream. Some people will tell you that Pyrex won't etch, but I've etched Pyrex successfully as well as other brands. Some were new, some were old. It's not the brand or age that matters , but the glass composition. Not all glass compositions are the same, and thus not all react the same to the etching cream. In my experience, the higher quality glass that is "shatter resistant" are the ones the less likely to etch. Dishes made of Borosilicate WILL NOT WORK. Borosilicate glass is a tougher type of glass. If you see a note that your dish is very scratch and impact resistant to withstand rapid temperature changes, it’s possible it may not work to etch correctly.

But -- good news -- you can test in advance if your glass will etch! Just put a VERY small amount of etching cream on the bottom of your casserole dish. You can use a small paintbrush or even a toothpick to do it to make sure you’re putting just a dot. Leave it there for a few minutes, then wash and dry and examine. If it etched well, you’re good to go. If you can barely see it, or can’t see it at all, your glass casserole dish is not a good candidate for etching.

Vinyl Types -- A vinyl stencil allows us to etch beautiful designs with crisp edges, but the type of vinyl you use matters. You want permanent vinyl that is not over its shelf life of a couple of years. Do not use removable vinyl, as it won't form as a tight a seal when etch. Just use permanent vinyl, any color, that is not terribly old.

00:50 - Glass etching materials and tools
9:30 - How to apply a vinyl stencil decal to a curved surface for glass etching
13:30 - Applying etching cream to glass
18:00 - How long should I leave etching cream on glass? Compare examples
23:00 - Glass etching practice and troubleshooting
25:35 - Q&A on How to Etch Glass
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Jennifer, you just amazed me. You was the one who introduced me to crafting. I love your diligence and patience when you thoroughly explain each techniques and steps in all your videos. May God continue to flourish you, your family and team with an abundance of Blessings and Overflow 😊

dietramckamey
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You are so incredibly thorough! As someone who is just looking to do this once and has no prior knowledge of any of this kind of stuff, you really hit practically every one of my million questions!

basiadugan
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I have been etching glass using Armour Etch cream and stencils for over 20 years and watching this, I gained some new tips I didn't know. Thanks!

beckyh
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This was an amazing lesson. It’s my first time and now I feel confident after watching your video. Great work!

BlessLove
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Your videos are always amazing! I would add one more important tip I recently discovered. Never etch with a wet paint brush. I washed mine between etchings, didn't even squeeze the excess water out (it was very late and I was tired). Three mugs later .. total disaster :( Thankfully, they're Dollar Tree mugs, easily and inexpensively replaced. Thank you for all you do and all your tutorials! YOU are the reason I love my Cricut .. right out of the box <3

KaliMahalo
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So awesome! Thanks for this, I've just started venturing into glass etching and your videos have helped immensely. I always trust your guidance on all things crafty.

coda
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Great video!

I just used 3-year-old etching cream. It was brown but it worked!

Even new, the cream was so thick that I had to glob it on.

I found that if the cream dries before time is up, it doesn't etch well. So I just glob it on and leave it rather than brush it. Since you can reuse the cream, it's not a waste. And I read somewhere that it works best 15 minutes, which is what I have always done.

I'll have to try your constant brush technique the next time.

More tidbits: DON'T rinse in a porcelain or glass sink as the cream can etch those surfaces! You should ONLY rinse in a fiberglass or stainless sink.

The larger the surface you are etching, the more likely you will have missed spots. So if you're a beginner, start with something with finer detail.

Lastly, while the transfer paper is still on, I run my fingernail over the edges of the stencil to make sure it is absolutely adhered well, especially if you have fine detail.

EsmereldaPea
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I love the variety of talents Jennifer. I love trying different projects! Thank you!

debbiewhipple
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Holy cow! 17:10 where you show the different results really excited me. It's like YOU did the mistakes for me! I can't wait to get started!

erinwilhiterealtor
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Another fantastic video. Thank you so much Jennifer Maker. I love all these helpful videos!!!!

chandracarrington
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Jennifer, thank you so much. You always do excellent training. I have learned so much from you. Thanks for being such a fun, caring, and sharing crafter!!

dottiewiest
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My first time live!❤. I’m can’t wait 😃

kathyjackson
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About to do my first one so glad I found this, amazing!

blueskyjax
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Thank you for sharing your etching time experiment. That was really helpful.

debcouture
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LOVE LOVE these lives! Its nice to feel among friends! Learning sooo much, I have been so scared to use my Circuit Thank You for the Confidence!!

rebeccagiffels
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Love this series. I plan to go back and watch all the ones I missed!

wendycecil
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Great video!!! Got all my questions and doubts covered

ruthroman
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Watching the replay sorry I missed the live

christinekastens
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I listen to Christmas music all year round too! <3 Ugh it's the best!

tylerandkennedyco
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Wow, I love these wine bottles! Great ideas.

debcouture