Personalised Glassware

A unique and fast way of creating a personalised gift (or even something fun for your own collection)...

Granted, you will need to acquire the main 'ingredient' (etching paste) in this project; but once you invest in some, it'll last for years and many, many projects! I've found it handy to have around for those last minute gifts!

**This project is working with chemicals so you will need to prepare the work area and include appropriate safety in your preparation. Follow the safe use instructions on the bottle of etching paste.

Step 1: Set It Up

I've experimented with a few different stencil types and there are options....

Get yourself:
- flat surface glassware (stencils don't sit on round surfaces very well!)
- contact (the thicker the better)
- a cutter/blade you can hand cut with (something comfy you can use like a pen)
- cutting mat (or a suitable surface to cut on)
- glass etch paste (if you 'Google' it, I'm sure you'll find some online) just a small bottle will last for aaaaages and mine was only about $25, worth it!

*best to clean the glass with something like acetone first to ensure the best stick

Print your image either directly onto the contact if you can, or trace it from a copy. Now here's your other option; cut it out then place the stencil on the glass, or if you have lots of small detail you can gently cut the stencil after you affix it to the glass - it's personal preference I think...

Step 2: Make It Happen

Once the stencil is placed and you're satisfied there's no bubbles or chances for the paste to leak outside the stencil, apply the paste.
(there will be instructions on the paste bottle also)
After around 5 Mins, place the glassware under a running cold tap & remove all traces of paste and finally the stencil.

For additional depth and texture, you can take the stencil off in sections and reapply paste each time; this will make some areas more etched than others, creating a 'depth' to your image.

Serious fun to play around with.... can be used to make personalised wine glasses, platters, vases, candle holders etc etc.... enjoy! :-D

Comments

[FreddieLBarlett]

This is quite cool. But I think it'll be a bit difficult to draw with the glue, especially on a round surface. Any tips regarding this?

[One80Bits]

Hey Freddie,
Thanks for the question and I apologise for any lack of clarity.
I hope I understand you correctly (please let me know if not) but there's no glue involved, I think you might be referring to the etching paste?
The idea is to adhere a stencil made of contact onto the glass surface and then paint the paste on (or whatever specific directions are on the paste you purchase), leave it until it etches and creates an image, then peel the stencil off.

You're right in saying it's tricky to work on curved surfaces, so you can either cut the stencil out before it's affixed to the glass, or afterwards, whatever is easiest for you in the situation.

And I just had a throught, maybe the phrase 'contact' is not widely known?! Contact is a solid sheet of adhesive backed plastic that would typically be used in a library or school to cover books. I find the thicker the better in creating and cutting out stencils that won't rip.

Has this come close to answering your question? Sorry for the confusion.