Glass Etching - It’s an Easy Gift!

Believe it or not, you can give people etched glass gifts this holiday season that you made yourself. It’s much easier than you’d think!

This year, half my gift list is getting etched glass bowls or pitchers. It’s so easy, and cheap! (I found the bowls at Walmart for $4 a piece.) It does take a little bit of time, especially with the rub on stencils. I spend about an hour and a half on each bowl, but most of that time is spent on the couch, watching TV while I layout and rub on the stencils.

Here’s what you’ll need:
- glass etching cream (I used Armour Etch brand)
- glass etching stencils (I used the Armour Etch Rub-n-Etch ones. They also make reusable ones, or you can make your own with contact paper)
- rubber gloves
- a paintbrush
- masking tape
- glass objects to etch (bowls, pitchers, frames, mirrors, whatever. Pyrex is not recommended, although I had no problem etching Pyrex)

Here’s what you do:
1. Clean your glass with glass cleaner. Make sure you use one that isn’t “fingerprint resistant” because that will leave residue on the glass.
2. Place your stencil on the glass with masking tape. (If you use the Rub-n-Etch stencils, you’ll need to rub them on with a popsicle stick (included) and then tape again.) I prefer to put several stencils on at once to completely decorate the object, but you can do them one at a time if that’s easier for you.
3. Using the paintbrush, apply the etching cream (thickly!) to the stencil.
4. Wait 60 seconds.
5. Rinse off with warm water. Use the paintbrush to help remove all the cream (as an added bonus, you clean your brush at the same time!).
6. Remove the stencil and masking tape, and dry your object.
7. Enjoy your beautifully etched piece! Can you believe you made it yourself?

Emschwar