Choosing What to Etch
🌳 Glass has grain like a tree. Hold glass objects up to the light and try to choose an unlined piece.
⏰ Some Pyrex cannot be etched due to a high lead content. If in doubt of the “etchability” of an object, use a toothpick to apply a tiny dot of crème to the bottom of the piece. Wait 15 minutes, wash off, and examine.
🌈 Colored glass can be etched, but some colorful items you find in stores are actually clear glass coated in colored plastic. Look through the bottom of the container to see if it is clear, in which case it is plastic and will not etch. If the color is solid the whole way through, it is colored glass and can be etched.
Bee Careful What You Etch
⚠️ Etching is permanent. It is not a coating, not a frosting, but irremovably eaten into the glass. Follow these tips to make sure that you only etch what you want to be etched!
🛁 USE CAUTION with etchall® around household surfaces made of glass, mirror, marble, slate, and porcelain. This may include sinks, tubs, floor tiles, countertops, tabletops, etc.! When rinsing crème or dip in a porcelain sink, always flood with lots of water. Wipe accidental spillage immediately with a paper towel or sponge.
🙈 Cover all glass on your project which you don’t want to etch with etchmask™, contact paper, or auto tape. When working with a flat piece of glass, make sure to cover the back with etchmask™ or contact paper so as not to etch or get fingerprints on that side. Mirror backing is not affected by etchall®, so no need to cover it during etching.
🚿 Never remove your stencil until the project is completely clean of all crème. Always remove under running water.
💦 If you do make a mistake, trying to “spot” repair areas will result in splotchy etching. Instead, re-etch entire piece.