Etching Decorative Wine Glasses Yourself
For decoration on the glass surface, glass etching is a popular way. Glass etching can be done in two ways. Glassware can be etched by using etching cream or by sandblasting a design on the surface of the glass. The preferred option of the two is using etching cream. By etching, decorative touches can be added to the glass surface of wine glasses and goblets. You can make personalized wine glasses by etching them on your own. Small piece of glassware can be easily designed with glass etching. These would be unique gift ideas for you near and dear ones.
Know the Basic Steps for Etching Glassware
§ Creating Stencil: First of all you have to sketch the design that you want to etch on your wine glasses. The design should not be too small or else the small detailing will get messed up while etching. It should not be even too large, or else it would not fit on the glass surface.
§ Cutting out the Stencil: You have to directly draw the design on the contact paper. Then by using a sharp craft blade you have to cut out the design.
§ Cleaning the Wine Glass: The wine glass has to be washed with dish soap and warm water. Then the glass is to be wiped dry and again it has to be cleaned with window cleaner. After drying the glass, make sure that its surface is free from oil, dust, lint and even your fingerprints.
§ Applying the Stencil: Now you have to apply the contact paper stencil to the wine glass with the sticky side of the paper on the glass surface. Place the stencil paper to that portion of the glass where you want your etching to appear. Now smooth down the stencil by pressing it firmly. Be careful that no wrinkles or air bubbles appear.
§ Using the Etching Cream: With the help of foam brush, you need to apply the etching cream of sufficient amount on the area where you want the glass design. Spread an even amount of the cream to the surface area. The etching cream has to be left on the glassware for at least 15 minutes. The etching time may vary from one brand of etching cream to another. But before you do all these tasks, do not forget to put on your safety glasses and latex gloves.
§ Wiping Off the Etching Cream: Use paper towels to wipe off the etching cream once the necessary time has passed. Then put off your gloves and do be careful to dispose the paper towels and gloves so that they are safely out of reach of children and pets.
§ Washing the Glass: Use warm water and dish soap to clean the glass. The stencil has to be removed during cleaning the wine glass. You may have to use a craft knife to remove the stubborn pieces of stencil from the glass surface.
§ Final Cleaning: Lastly wash your wine glass with ample soap and water and dry it well. Now your wine glass is ready to fetch a lot of appreciation.
By custom glass etching on your own, you can create personalized gifts. The etched wine glasses increase the honor of you dinner table and you can actually explore your creativity with custom glass etching.
Shimul Aich is a search engine optimizer and presently working for CS Premier Gifts. CS Premier Gifts is a company that offers customized wedding gifts, custom glass etching and custom glassware services US.