How to Etch Glass

It is easy to etch glass with the right tools. Learn how in this tutorial.

with Etchall

finished salt and pepper

Etching glass is a very simple process given the right tools. I enjoy working with Etchall Etching Creme. One reason is that Etchall is reusable so a small jar lasts a long time. Making these Salt and Pepper shakers was simple and fast but the result is fantastic. I wanted to make these for myself but they would make a great housewarming gift or hostess gift too.

etchall bottle

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Materials:

with alcohol spray

Before you begin any glass etching project, you need to make sure the glass surface is clean and clear. It is best to use rubbing alcohol to clean your surface.

cricut maker

Cutting the vinyl, I used a Cricut Maker. In Design Space I used the Cricut font and typed the two letters I needed with space between them. Before cutting them out, I made sure the height and width fit the front of the shakers.

vinyl in place

I centered each letter on the front of the shakers. For this application, I didn’t need to use transfer paper but if your design is more detailed, you will find it helpful. See the video tutorial below for application tips and centering the vinyl.

with etchall creme

I applied a generous amount of etching creme to each shaker. There is no need to worry about using too much since it is reusable. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. Etchall works in 15 minutes of application.

Video Tutorial:

finished shakers

With a bit of ribbon added these are ready to fill or give as a gift.

How to Celebrate with Etching

This is such a fun way to celebrate. It could be a birthday, wedding, anniversary, new job, graduation, so many different opportunities to etch a fun statement onto a bottle. For this post, I used Sparkling Cider but a bottle of wine or even a glass bottle of soda would work. The glass etching can take a drink to the next level making it a special statement I am sure one that will be appreciated.

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Materials:

Directions:

Using Cricut design space on my phone I typed out the word I wanted to use, then I sent it to the Cricut Joy to cut out. It was so quick and easy. I could have added names and a date too.

I weeded the vinyl, removing the parts I want to etch, and used the transfer tape to place the vinyl on the bottle. Notice there are air bubbles and wrinkles, but they don’t matter as long at the seam along the letters is pressed tight to the glass.

Using a wooden popsicle stick I placed a generous amount of etching cream over the letters. I left it on the bottle for 15 minutes, following the Etchall directions. Then I removed it from the bottle using the same popsicle stick and put it back into the jar because Etchall cream is reusable. Because it was a small area, I was able to use a baby wipe to clean off the bottle and I removed the vinyl.

Here is the etched glass. I wanted to enhance the etching so I applied some rub-on metallic color in silver.

I used a q-tip to rub on the silver cream and then used a baby wipe to remove the excess. I really like the enhanced look.

How to Etch a Glass Decanter with EtchAll

The minute I saw this decanter advertised on the Dollar Tree website, I knew I had to have it. I wanted to etch it with etchall. I love the iridescent quality of the glass. I had a hard time deciding which color decanter to get but ultimately decided upon the purple version. I originally envisioned etching all four sides of the glass, but I ran into a bit of an issue I will explain in detail below. 

This post and photos may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through any link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Any supplies used may be given to me free of charge, however, all projects and opinions are my own.

Materials:

  • glass decanter
  • etchall creme
  • paintbrush
  • cardstock scrap
  • vinyl
  • free SVG file
  • personal cutting machine (Cricut Maker)
  • craft knife
  • rubbing alcohol
  • paper towels

Directions:

Download the free SVG file. [stencil]


Cut the stencil design from vinyl.


Weed away the area that will etch.


Here is where I ran into a bit of trouble. The first time I etched the decanter it removed the purple iridescent layer.
So I used a craft knife to scratch off all the purple from one side of the decanter.


Clean the glass with rubbing alcohol and then adhere the stencil to the glass.


Cover the stencil with etchall etching creme, be generous.


After 15 minutes has passed, remove the excess creme and return it to the container.
I used a scrap of cardstock to remove the creme.
etchall creme is reusable.


Here is a close-up of the final result.
I am happy I resolved my issue and it turned out well!

Suggested Materials:
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How to Glass Etch a Lucky Shamrock Mug

St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner so you might want to make this Lucky Shamrock Mug now to get ready. Why is it lucky? Because there is one four-leaf shamrock among all the three-leaf ones. So just like in nature, there is luck in finding it! Can you spot it? And of course, the design is on a beer mug. Don’t you drink green beer on St. Patrick’s Day?

I want to thank Cricut and Etchall for providing materials used in this post.
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Materials:

Directions:

Download the free SVG file and size it to your mug. If using the mug from the Dollar Tree, I found 10″ wide for the design to work well. I didn’t use one of the shamrocks. Make sure to clean the surface of the mug with rubbing alcohol.

Cut the vinyl on your cutting machine. 

Weed away the design and keep the strip of vinyl

Wrap it around the mug in your desired location.
I liked the top rim of the mug for my design. I found wrapping around the mug to be a bit more difficult to get straight than I anticipated.
Remove any air bubbles and rub the vinyl down really well.

Cover the design with Etchall cream using your paintbrush and allow it to sit for 15 minutes.

Remove any excess cream and put it back in the jar. Then wash the mug in warm water, you can also use soap.

Remove the vinyl and discard it. Now the mug is ready to use and enjoy!