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The Etching Process ... in 3 simple steps.

It takes just six minutes to etch glass -  from start to finish!


STEP 1:  EXPOSE ARTWORK TO STENCIL  (2 Minutes )

The etching process begins by creating 'black and white' artwork on your computer using special transparent artwork sheets. The artwork is printed using a laser printer and not an inkjet printer. For this, you will require optional software such as CorelDraw which can be purchased over the internet or via computer shops.

Artwork is placed on the glass surface on the exposure unit and then a piece of stencil is placed on top of the artwork. The exposure unit is set to expose light from the artwork to the stencil for a specified time. Several stencils can be made at the same time (i.e. if you wish to etch several glasses). These images can all be the same or each image could be different.




 

STEP 2:  APPLY STENCIL TO GLASS  (1 Minute)

Our new stencil does not require any washing!  After exposing artwork to stencil (as above) simply apply the self-adhesive stencil to glassware and
etch in the GlassEtch Junior or GlassEtch Senior.

Masking tape is placed around the stencil so as to avoid accidentally etching other parts of the glass (see 'Abbey National' example on left).







STEP 3:  ETCH GLASS IN GLASS ETCHING CABINET  (3 Minutes)

Once a stencil has been applied to glass, simply place the glass in the glass etching cabinet and propel abrasive at the glass using a hand held gun within the glass etching cabinet.

The abrasive will break through the clear areas of text and logos of the stencil and permanently etch the glass. Abrasive will 'bounce off' the blue areas and not etch the glass.

Within 3 minutes or so, you will have beautifully etched glassware that will make a great gift!
 

We offer a choice of two exposure units
for creating your own stencils in-house.



 

An example of a glass
with a stencil.

Copyright 2006  Creative Printers of London  www.glassetchingmachines.co.uk
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