Common surfaces sparkle with glass-etching technique

Ever consider how a mason jar could become a priceless work of art?

Other forms of glassware may be more aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but glass etching can transform a common glass surface into an exquisite expression of art.

“It depends on how much work you want to do, and how much detail you want to commit to,” said Tahlequah Public Library Adult Programs instructor Cherokee Lowe. “I’ve seen mirrors, picture frames, windows, and I’ve even seen some do the sliding door in their shower. The first time I did it was when I was a student at NSU. It was an assignment. I think I might have done something pretty simple, like my name.”

Glass etching has served a unique purpose for hundreds of years, transmitting light while providing artwork that screens one area from another. Depending on the size and shape of the glass surface to be transposed, etching a pattern to individualize a cup, bowl, table, or window could be accomplished for a cost as low as $10 or as high as $30.

Lowe led a one-time class to introduce the technique Thursday night in the Tahlequah Public Library Carnegie Room.

“I think it’s relatively simple and inexpensive,” said Lowe. “Most people may not try it because they think its too complicated, but it really isn’t.”

Materials needed for a glass-etching project include a paint brush, an Exacto knife, laminating or contact paper, masking or painters tape, water, a glass surface and etching cream.

A commonly advertised etching cream is made by Armour Etch and can be purchased in varied ounce sizes for varied prices. For example, a 3-ounce bottle can be bought for $6, whereas a 10-ounce bottle may cost $10 to $19, while a 22-ounce bottle could cost as much as $28. Kits that include etching cream and stencil patterns can be purchased for about $15.

“You could use regular paper, but it [the etching cream] will seep through,” said Lowe, stressing use of contact paper and painters tape will ensure the border quality of the pattern design.

The first step is to cut the needed contact paper at least 1 inch larger on all sides of the design. Adhere the contact paper to the outside of the clean glass surface, leaving no air bubbles. Then adhere the pattern to the opposing side of the glass surface to be etched.

A stencil design may be laid on top of the contact paper. With an Exacto knife, trace the outline of the pattern or design into the contact paper, pressing firmly enough to cut through the contact paper. Remove the contact paper from inside the traced design to expose the glass.

Using the paintbrush, apply a thick amount of etching cream on to the exposed glass design and spread it out in a thin layer, as if icing a cake. Leave the cream on for 10 minutes, then wipe it off with your brush back into its container.

Etching cream can be reused, which is a benefit to offset the cost. After wiping off the first layer, reapply the cream and leave it on for another 10 minutes before repeating the wipe-off step.

Finally, rinse off the project in a stainless steel sink or with an outside water hose.

The run-off will dull the appearance of a porcelain sink. Remove the stencil or pattern design and rinse again.