Looking to personalize the glassware for your next special occasion? You are at the right place. Simply use my step-by-step tutorial on how to etch glasses and create these beautiful wine glasses that make great gifts!
Related: Anniversary Gift ideas are a handy reference to keep so you will be in the know about what to give on those special occasions. End of the Year Teacher Gifts has you covered on what teachers really like.
Glass etching cream does the heavy lifting in this project! The only fancy machine you need is a cutting machine to make the adhesive stencil. No fancy cutting machine? Never fear! With contact paper, an x-acto knife and a steady hand, you can create your own stencils.
etch glasses with these Supplies and Materials
The materials and supplies are listed below. Most of these are probably already at home. Also, plan on using etching cream in a well ventilated area.
- Glasses, jars, or even Pyrex that you want to etch
- Glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol (to remove any dust, dirt, or fingerprints from the surface of the glass.)
- Paper towel or lint-free cloth
- Gloves to protect your hands when using etching cream are very important.
- Small paintbrush or palette knife
- Etching cream
- Painter’s tape or washi tape (for securing the border of the stencil)
- Cutting mat
- Stencil vinyl or contact paper if you do not have a cutting machine
- Scissors or X-acto knife
- Cricut or Silhouette machine
Procedure for etching glass
- Clean any residue from the glass surface using glass cleaner or isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth.
- Design your stencil and create it.
- Weed or remove the letters.
3. Draw a grid on top of the stencil to help you place it correctly on the glass. You want to leave room on all sides of the stencil so the etching cream only touches the inside of the stencil.
4. Cut the stencil down to size using the grid lines. Peel the backing off the adhesive vinyl and smooth to remove any wrinkles or air bubbles. Remove any fingerprints at this time. Use painter’s tape of washi tape to secure the borders of your stencil at this time.
5. Glove up for this next step. Apply a thick layer of etching cream with a paintbrush or palette knife as shown below.
*Notice how the etching cream is only inside the stencil? Take care to quickly remove any stray cream so it will not etch glass outside the stencil.
6. Allow the etching cream to sit on the glass as directed on the etching cream container. When time is up, remove the etching cream with gloved hands, as directed on the container. Most creams will have you remove the thick cream and put it back into the container. Yes, it is reusable! The rest of the cream on the glass is removed with water.
7. Clean your etched glass thoroughly before using. Read the instructions that came with your etching cream to make sure your new etched glass is dishwasher safe. (It should be.)
Did you know you could learn how to etch glasses today? If you are wondering where to purchase glasses like these or the etching cream, check out craft stores, big box stores, and Amazon, of course.
More Gift Ideas
Thank you for stopping by to check out my latest DIY project. These etched glasses will be making their debut at a very special event, and I am so excited about how beautifully they turned out.
Leave me a comment below and let me know how you plan on using your etched glasses! To go along with etched glasses, here are more DIY projects for special occasions.
DIY Tiny Birthday Box includes instructions on how to print and assemble a mini-birthday banner and suggestions on what to include in a Tiny Birthday Box. An etched drinking glass would pair nicely with this!
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