How to Etch Glass is divided into three parts: Part One is a brief overview of various glass etching processes; Part Two illustrates several objects you can etch; and Part Three presents the reader with the basic steps required to etch glass using a few of the most common processes.
The etching types Robert explores are: cream etching, hydrofluoric (HF) acid etching, engraving, and sandblasting. In spite of the professional results you can obtain through hydrofluoric acid etching, Robert does not recommend it because of the dangerous qualities of this chemical. There are three types of engraving, which Robert explains in brief: rotary, wheel, and hand engraving. Sandblasting, which is safer than hydrofluoric acid etching, produces professional results, according to Robert.
The section 'Etching Product Ideas' covers what sorts of glass items you can etch, such as mugs, wine or champagne glasses, cake dishes, mirrors, lighted displays,and so on. There are a lot of interesting ideas in this section.
Robert also talks about how to engrave glass using a rotary tool, which basically involves tracing an image with the tool. He then talks about how to etch using cream. For this, you will be cutting out a stencil before applying the cream; then you allow the cream to set before washing it off of the glass. Robert unfortunately does not say whether to wash the cream off with soap and water, a mild detergent, or simply water.
Next, Robert offers solutions for how to make etched glass stand out if you use the cream method. One solution is to use a wax metallic finish product called Rub N' Buff. Robert provides a link to where you can purchase this product. Diluting the Rub N' Buff helps to make the glass appear as though it has been etched without other additives, according to Robert.
The last section in the book covers how to sandblast glass. Firstly, a stencil is applied, using a squeegee to eliminate any air pockets; then a handheld sandblaster is used.
Robert also has extras if you sign up for the free newsletter. The extras include free etching patterns and free videos. There are a few typos and other minor errors in the book, and Robert fails to tell where you can purchase some of the products, such as the engraving tool. Another helpful aid would be listing the tools required at the beginning of each project. Nonetheless, this is an informative and entertaining book for anyone new to the craft of glass etching.
You may email Robert at: eric@glassetchingsecrets.com.
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