Cricut is a machine capable of making many arts and crafts projects. In this tutorial, you will learn how to etch glass with Cricut machine and what you need for your etching project. Glass etching is a long-lasting and permanent method of applying your design onto your glass, which cannot be removed once it has been done. It is the process of permanently frosting the outer layer of glass with Etching cream. It has an acid, and when applied to a glass item, the acid eats away the outer layer of the glass. It is an alternative way to apply vinyl to glass. If you want to etch glass with Cricut, you need to use a glass that is not tempered.
What Supplies Do I Need to Etch Glass With Cricut?
To start this project, here are a few supplies that you will need to etch glass with Cricut:
- A glass item
- A bottle of Armour Etch Glass Etching Cream
- A flat paintbrush or craft sponge
- Gloves
- Self-adhesive vinyl
- Transfer Tape
- Rubbing alcohol and a lint-free cloth
- Weeding tool
How to Etch Glass with Cricut: Step-by-Step
Materials are required to start etching glass with a Cricut. Follow the tutorial below to learn how.
Step 1: Design Creating
When creating a design for etching glass with Cricut, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. It is a single-layer project, so create/ choose a design with a single color or a maximum of two colors and vote for multiple colors. Switch on your device, open the Design Space software, click on the New Project to make a design, or click on the Upload option on the left side of the menu bar to upload your design. Then select the image you have chosen and click on the Upload Image Here; we have used botanical design.
Step 2: How to Make a Stencil for Etching Glass
Then, upload your image to Cricut Design Space, and you need to know how to turn it into a stencil for etching glass. To do this, create a rectangle frame around your design because removing the excess vinyl becomes easier. We must right-click on our design and click Attach to cut the design exactly. Resize the entire design to the desired size, and you will be ready to cut.
Step 3: Cut out Your Vinyl Design
Once the design is fully assembled and prepared for cutting, click the Make It button. Choose the type of material you will be cutting, load it into the machine, and press the Play button. Your material will be ready to cut.
Step 4: Weed and Prep Your Design
When the materials are ready after cutting, use your weeding tool to remove the extra material from your design. You have two options for how you can weed your design. You can weed around your objects, remove the background, and weed inside them, making them like stencils.
Step 5: Clean Your Glass Item
This step is very simple but very important. Use an alcohol wipe and a lint-free cloth to remove dust and debris from the glass. If debris, oils, or finger marks are visible on the surface of the glass, the etching cream will not apply evenly.
Step 6: Apply Your Design
The glass has been cleaned, and your design is ready. If your item is rounded or curved, peel off the transfer tape, smooth out your design, and ensure no bubbles or creasing form. The etching cream will not be properly applied if bubbles or creases form. It will go under the vinyl and can ruin your final design.
Step 7: Apply the Etching Cream
Wear gloves, take a craft sponge or brush, and apply the Armour Etch cream over the glass. Apply evenly, and then let the cream sit for about 5 minutes. Use the applicator to fill in the gaps, and wash off the cream after it dries. Let it fully dry, and then carefully remove the vinyl from the glass you used as a stencil.
Conclusion
You have learned how to etch glass with a Cricut, what supplies you need, and how easy the process is. You can become a pro at etching glass by following the above tutorial. So, what will you etch next? Etching with a Cricut is a simple and inexpensive way to create custom, personalized-looking gifts. It is durable and an alternative to vinyl, and the designs are permanent and resistant to wear and tear.
FAQs
Can you etch any type of glass?
Yes, you can etch most glass objects, such as mason jars, jars, mirrors, windows, and vases, which can be matched with Armour Etch. Because etching cream is designed for high heat, it cannot be used on Pyrex glass and may not work on colored glass. You can do a patch test to check whether the Pyrex piece is compatible. Etching cream cannot be used on acrylic or plastics.
Can you use Armour Etch over large areas of glass?
Armour Etch is not advised to be used on sizable glass surfaces. It is best to use the etching cream on small sections of glass because it is impossible to coat a piece of the glass evenly at once, and brush strokes from the application process can create patterns that will not give you a clean etch glass.
How do I clean etched glass?
To clean etched glass, you can try these steps:
- Spray on a paper towel with glass cleaner, like Windex or Hi-Sheen.
- Use a soft sponge and water to clean the glass or a mild dishwashing liquid with warm water.
- You can apply lacquer thinner and lightly rub the area with a paper towel.
