Frosted glass tutorial -- How to make your own frosted glassware!

[styrofoamkitty]

A quick lesson in how to make etched or frosted glassware.

First, get some Armor Etch from your local crafts store:


Then, get some stickers, brushes, rubber gloves, cool drinking glasses from Target, masking tape.[/url]


Tape off some sections of glass.



Put some stickers on there.

(I used vellum scrapbook stickers.  I liked these a lot.  They were easy to soak off afterwards, when I was washing off the etching cream.)

Put on some rubber gloves.  URGENT, because this etching cream is CAUSTIC, for real, it will BURN YOU.  Pour a little etching cream out onto a couple of plastic-lined paper plates, and get your brush ready.


Start liberally applying the etching cream.  (I am not wearing gloves in this photo, and THAT is how I know that the cream burns.  I burned myself.  like an idiot.  It hurt like heck.)


Cover all surfaces VERY thoroughly, smearing cream over all the stickers and up to the taped edges, being sure to use lots of etching cream.  If you're stingy with it, you'll have streaks on the end result.  Leave the cream on for 10-15 minutes (I left it on longer than the 5 minutes it says on the package, because my results at 5 minutes weren't as good as when I left the cream on longer.)



Rinse everything off in the sink wearing rubber gloves and using LOTS of warm water.  Run the water and wash the sink out THOROUGHLY when you're done so you don't accidentally etch your sink. 


Peel off the stickers, wash the glasses with soap and water, dry and VOILA:





My friends have all LOVED these sets, and they're really fast and cheap and easy to do.  Great way to personalize a really classy gift.

XOXOX

[yardenxanthe]

Nice diy!  Your instructions make it look a lot less intimidating then, say, Martha Stewart (but isn't intimidation what she's all about?)

[binny]

styrofoamkitty, those are nice looking designs.  

I did some highball glasses as Christmas gifts last year for a couple with their names on them.  Luckily they both have short three letter names.    

This year I think I'm going to etch some glasses for my boyfriend.  Words like "beer", "soda", "milk", "water", "juice".  Not sure how many glasses I have, maybe I'll double up on words if I can't think of any other generic beverage terms.  

[elektrikbloom]

I love it!

Qs:

1. about how much for the Armor Etch?
2. and the glasses are still safe to wash along with other dishes?

[craftsurge]

I have seen the cream for about $13.00 for a 3 oz. bottle.
I don't know how safe it is to wash in the dishwasher though. Its probably fine. I can't wait to make these!!
So many projects - So little time.

[snoopendous]

I think that those are great, as are your directions.  I am gonna try it this weekend!

[missy]

those are pretty fabulous.  I have an odd question, if i put etching solution on a glass with a design, would it remove the design? this might be a good way to put crappy promotional glasses to good use.

[algebraashley]

WHOA!
they look great
this is definately going to be a xmas gift for someone this year!!
i can see it now..

thank you for making it look so easy!

[styrofoamkitty]

I love it!

Qs:

1. about how much for the Armor Etch?
2. and the glasses are still safe to wash along with other dishes?

The size jar in that photo is the "big jar" and it cost me $18.99 in Virginia at Ben Franklin Crafts.  You might be able to buy other brands or smaller sizes for less.  

i still wash the glasses normally.  They even go in the dishwasher fine.  

[styrofoamkitty]

those are pretty fabulous.  I have an odd question, if i put etching solution on a glass with a design, would it remove the design? this might be a good way to put crappy promotional glasses to good use.

I dunno!  try it and post results!    email me photos if you don't have hosting service, I'll host them up for you.
xo caitlin (styrofoamkitty at hotmail dot com)