| Glass Etching can be defined as the technique of | | | | * Combinations techniques: this gives the ability to do |
| creating artistic images on a piece of glass. It means to | | | | the best and most sophisticated etchings possible by |
| make art on the surface of glass by applying acidic, | | | | using each technique for its strengths and avoid its |
| caustic, or abrasive substances. Glass etching is the | | | | weaknesses yields beautiful results by combining |
| abrading or roughening of a piece of glass in selected | | | | etching with other glass working techniques, like stained |
| areas in order to produce a design. It is a way to | | | | glass, glass blowing, etc. |
| produce a "frosted" design on the surface of a piece | | | | The other technique is Chemical Etching. Instead of |
| of glass, or it can also be used to carve a design deep | | | | sandblasting the glass, there is a chemical process that |
| into the glass. There is also a technique to produce a | | | | will produce similar results. Typically, "glass etching |
| shaded design that looks like delicate airbrushing, but is | | | | cream", available from art supply stores consists of |
| permanently etched in the glass. People desire etched | | | | fluoride compounds, such as sodium fluoride and |
| glass because of it's beauty and practical application; | | | | hydrogen fluoride. The fluoridation of the glass causes |
| able to be used for its aesthetics and window or glass | | | | the rough, opaque qualities of frosted glass. |
| wall covering. The etch will continue to allow light in, as | | | | Advantages of this process are that it is easy and |
| it covers the glass window or wall, providing privacy. | | | | simple and doesn't require the equipment for abrasive |
| The technique was originally used in 1867 on an etching | | | | etching. |
| at Bankfield Museum in England, but by the 1920s, it | | | | Glass etching is a beautiful and elegant method of |
| gained popularity when a new mold-etch process was | | | | creating a graphic design on the surface of an |
| invented, in which art was etched directly into the mold, | | | | otherwise smooth piece of glass, although it can be |
| so that each cast piece emerged from the mold with | | | | used on textured glass, as well. It is permanent and will |
| the image already on the surface of the glass. | | | | never come off. Etched and carved glass has |
| There are two major ways in which glass etching can | | | | become extremely popular, being seen almost |
| be done. One of them is Abrasive Sandblasting, a | | | | everywhere in upscale restaurants, hotels, banks, |
| common technique for creating patterns in glassware, | | | | theaters and homes. |
| leaving a "frosted" look to the glass. High pressure air | | | | The typical areas of application of the glass etching |
| mixed with an abrasive material cuts away at the | | | | are architectural products like windows, doors or whole |
| glass surface to create the effect. Some of its popular | | | | entryways in homes, restaurants, hotels and office |
| techniques are- | | | | buildings. Interior decoration products include cabinet |
| * Surface Etching: So named because you are only | | | | doors for all types of cabinets from china cabinets to |
| etching the surface of the glass. | | | | gun cabinets, table tops from dining tables to end |
| * Carving: Called carving because you actually blast, or | | | | tables, room dividers, fireplace screens, etc. Etching |
| carve, deep into the glass, giving a three dimensional | | | | can also be found on awards, corporate gifts and |
| etching. | | | | promotional products like glasses, mugs, decanters, |
| * Shading: the elements in the design are blasted to | | | | carafes, vases, bowls; paperweights, crystal and |
| different apparent shades of gray (hence the name | | | | regular glass sculptures and glass blanks, and gifts. |
| Shading), rather than to the solid white color produced | | | | Almost any glass item found in any gift shop, |
| in surface etching. | | | | department store or import shop can be etched. |