Q&A for How to Etch Glass with Etching Cream

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What if I don't have vinyl shelf liner, can I use something else instead?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use vinyl from a local sign shop. It's great because it's stickier than contact paper. They might even be able to cut the stencil for you on their vinyl cutting machine, if you bring in your design. Craft stores might have some vinyl as well.

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Question

Can the etching cream be reused?

Community Answer

Yes, it can. Just scrape off any extra cream from your project and put it back into the container.

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Question

How do I etch outside of a stencil?

Community Answer

You can use tape to cover areas you don't want etched. For example, if you want to make your name, tape the letters, then tape over the rest of the glass you don't want etched. If you want to etch a large area, this isn't a good idea for cream, since cream isn't strong enough. You can use a sandblaster on larger pieces of glass.

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Question

If the Armor Etch is applied thicker in some areas, will that be evident in finished product?

Community Answer

If you make it thicker in one area while using a stencil, though, it won't make a difference because only so much cream reaches the surface and wears it away at a time. If you leave a thin and thick layer on an exposed area for the same amount of time, the thicker area will be more clearly etched though.

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Question

How do I clean up afterwards?

Community Answer

It is best to do this project over newspaper in case of any spilled cream. To clean up, rinse any cream out of you brush and put it away. Make sure you still have your gloves on when doing this. Next peel off the painter's tape and throw it away. Cover your bottle of cream and put it away in a cool place out of reach of children. Throw out the newspaper and wipe down the table. Remove the gloves, turn them inside out, and throw them away.

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Question

Is there a way to make etching with a sandblaster instead of chemical etching creams?

Community Answer

Yes. You'll use a sandblaster to blast abrasive over the stencil area. Sandblasting actually gives you more control over your etching so you can do more advanced techniques like shading.

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Question

Can this be used to etch initials into Corelle dishes?

Community Answer

It can be etched. Most glass and ceramic can. Pyrex tempered for high heat is the most resistant to etching.

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Question

Can I paint with etching cream using a brush?

Community Answer

Yes, you can use a brush. Synthetic brushes are better, though, because the cream has a similar texture to acrylic paint.

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Question

Can I use etching cream to etch on mirrors?

Community Answer

Yes, you should be able to use it on any glass surface.

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Question

Why would there be a shadow/halo left on the glass after washing the etch cream off and removing the stencil?

Community Answer

When the stencil is not securely adhered to the glass, capillary action can pull some of the cream under the stencil causing the halo. You can use the back of a spoon to ensure that the stencil is firmly set.

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Question

Should I dilute the product with water or use it at full strength?

Community Answer

Use it full strength. But if you haven't used it in a while, it may dry up. Add a bit of water and stir. Then use as normal.

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