CAN YOU ETCH IT??? YOU BETCHA !!!!!

Have you ever wondered how etching on mirrors is done? Some are done by sand blasting or with machines. In this guide I will teach you how to do it with etching cream..the "old fashioned" way.
It takes patience, time, and of course..practice. When you see your finished handi-work it will all be worthwhile. This is a very relaxing and rewarding hobby.
Etching can be done on mirrors, clear glass, colored glass, etc. I prefer working on mirror but I have done many projects on clear glass also. Etched items can be made for so many different occasions and are perfect to give as gifts. You can even personalize..which makes it more special.
Here is a list of supplies that you will need to get started. You can buy most of them on okay. What you can't find on okay can be located at a hobby store.
1. A hobby knife. I use and regemend an Xacto knife..no. 1. Be sure to buy a few extra blades with it.
2. A roll of plain white contac paper..the self adhesive kind.
3. Plastic stencils. They gee in many designs and can easily be reused.
4.Armour Etch etching cream.
5. Mirrors or plain glass. I like to use plain 12" by 12" mirror tiles.
6. A pen, roll of clear tape, and artist's paint brushes ( the inexpensive kind).
Ready to make your first masterpiece ? Well..let's get started!
*My illustrations are on mirror so I will refer to the instructions for that. It will be the same for other glass too.
First, cut a piece of contac paper large enough to cover the entire mirror. Make sure the surface of mirror is clean. Remove the backing and apply to mirror..smoothing it out. Be sure that there are no creases or air bubbles. If you get an air bubble it can be popped with the very tip of your xacto knife..very carefully.
Next, select which stencil or stencils you would like touse for your mirror. Arrange them on the mirror until you are happy with the design. Try to center the design so that it is not too far to the left or right..or the top or bottom. Try to keep the space around your design even.
Tape your plastic stencil to the contac paper so that it doesn't move around. Take a pen and trace the stencil design. Remove stencil. How's it look? If you are happy with the design and location then let's procede. *PLEASE realize that your xacto hobby knife is EXTREMELY sharp. I have found it easiest to hold it like a pencil. Be sure the blade is tight in the knife before you begin. Do not press down hard as it will scratch the surface. You may break the tip off the blade but it's okay..you can still use that blade.

Begin to cut the stencil out and remove the contac paper as you go along. When you have gepleted this it will look like your design with the mirror showing. This is the part that we will etch.

PLEASE read and follow ALL label directions on the etching cream bottle. Use in a well ventilated area..keep out of the reach of children. I prefer to set up a small table outside on my porch to apply the cream. Shake it up good and get one of the paint brushes. Begin "painting" the etching cream onto the surface. Try to keep the same consistency..not too thick or too thin. Look from different angles tomake sure ALL surface to be etched is covered. Dispose of the brush.
The directions say to leave on for 5 minutes but I usually leave on for about 10 or 15. Next..rinse the etching cream off. I usually like to do this outside with a waterhose. After the etching cream is rinsed off,peel the remaining contac paper off. Clean with your favorite glass cleaner. and....
BEHOLD YOUR MASTERPIECE !!

Don't give up if it did not turn out "perfect". I have made quite a few of these and my lines aren't always straight..or my circles always gepletely round. That's okay though because it was relaxing and fun. Let your imagination be your guide.You know what they say..' practice makes perfect'. Now...can you etch it?? YOU BETCHA !!