Coloring etched glass – Silhouette tutorial
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I randomly picked up this bottle at IKEA a few months ago. I think I had a project idea at the time, but I have long since forgotten what originally got me to pick it up. But it's been beckoning to me for a while now, and I've been trying to come up with the right thing to put on it, and I finally had an idea, and it was the perfect thing to test out an idea.
I've been kind of obsessed with etching cream for a while; I made a set of teacups for my in-laws for Christmas, and we had decorated a couple of growlers for my homebrewing brother-in-law and a friend. I was a little leery of how expensive the cream was, but it goes a LONG way… I've done half a dozen projects at this point and have only used about a third of the bottle.
First things first, you'll want to gather all the supplies you need.
Supplies
- Silhouette cutting machine (I have and love the Cameo)
- Vinyl for stencil (I buy my vinyl in a big variety pack, so I always just use an ugly color… you can also use Contact paper or actual stencil material)
- Transfer tape
- Etching cream
- Rub n Buff in your choice of color (Mine is Grecian Gold)
- Disposable gloves
- Paper Towel
Etching the Glass
- Create or download your design, size it for the surface.
- Cut out stencil, carefully weeding the positive of the design.
- Apply transfer tape and press down well, making sure you get all the little pieces, like the middle of lower case ‘e' and ‘d'
- Carefully place stencil on bottle, being sure to press down well to seal edges completely.
- Remove transfer tape. Go over all edges again to be sure they're well-adhered.
- Apply a generous coating of etching cream to the whole design, let sit for approximately 30 minutes.
- Rinse well under running water to remove all traces of the cream.
- Remove stencil to expose etched areas.(It may be hard to see the etching when the bottle is wet; dry it off to get a better look at it.
You could stop here, and just have plain etched glass. Keep reading to add the pop of color.
(It may be hard to see the etching when the bottle is wet; dry it off to get a better look at it.
Applying Rub n Buff
- Put on disposable gloves; your finger is the best tool to apply the wax.
- Apply small amount (seriously, a little goes a loooong way) at a time, working quickly so it doesn't set.
- Working in small areas, apply Rub n Buff, let sit for a moment, then wipe off excess with paper towel.
- Multiple applications will help build additional color.
- If you mess up, or wait too long to get excess off, a scrub brush and hot water will clean off everything and you can start over.
Thank you so much for this! I have been wanting to punch up my glass etching but didn’t know how to add color. I used your link to order the Rub ‘n’ Buff. I’m so excited to try this!
Will the coloring come off with normal wash and wear?
I first tried this with a wine glass – combining the rub’n’buff and enamel paint. The enamel paint finally peeled away, but the rub’n’buff remains…MANY, MANY washings through the dishwasher.
Do I need to put a sealer over the rub n buff on glass? If so what do you recommend that doesn’t leave glass cloudy or with a gritty feel.
Three questions – Does this last through multiple washes? Is it hand wash only? Once applied, is the glasswear still food grade safe? Thanks!
Where are the answers? I too would like to know if Rub n Buff is permanent as is the etching cream. Thx
It doesn’t come in pink or purple?
Etching is permanent not sure about the rub n buff
I just started working with etching mm myself and have been trying a number of things to achieve color to it. Thank you so much I will be definitely going to buy some rub n buff today.
I am curious to see if it would also work with engravings on glass.
I work with sand blast etch and it works well there also. Only problem I have had is getting the color dense enough on wide areas of etching, i.e. Bold lettering.
Dear Reg Genola,
Can you please tell me if you use this on sandblasted glass how wel
does it stay’s on after washing with soap? I see so many different things to read
most of them are in use with the etch cream and now i found you’re comment i do snad blast also many different stuff on glass. But a few people asked me can you put it in color. So please can you awnser my question i will put my e-mail adres in here so if you want you can use that. Thanks so far
Best Regards Ed
Where did you get the cut file? Love HAMILTON!
I too would like to know where you got the Hamilton stencil.
Can you share the file please?
Have used rub n buff for the first time and I found cleaning with alcohol rub first works better as it stops the rub n buff from drying on the unetched glass quickly, making cleaning the excess easier, have now used it on mugs too great effect, my wife said it looked professional, which was a shock as that is the first time she gave an opinion on my efforts to me….
I have tried it on a gallon glass jug and I even tried it on a mirror with a picture on it. The rub and buff done a good job. Have you found a clear sealer to put on it…..
Can you seal it with Mod Podge to extend aching?
Following
I am new to etching, Permanent or removable vinyl for each, glass and ceramic? Loved the simple tutorial. Thanks!
Hi Mary, Either, since you’ll be peeling it off anyway. I used this one because it was a color I didn’t really care for. Not a big thought process.
Is the rub n’ buff permanent or will it wash off?
After reading on the internet in many places, Rub and Buff does wear off after time, no commercial cleaners if like on a mirror.
I haven’t used rub and buff but I have used marker colored glass paint to add color to the etching and it works well. I do plan to try some of the rub and buff. I have never used etching cream either and just use an etching pen but Im going to give the cream a try also.
Ive done the same and it works really well. Made Christmas wine bottle lights and glasses and colored some of the etching in with markers for painting glass. Turned out great.
Hi Helen, you stated you used marker on your glass etch? Does it withstand washing? what kind of markers? Permanent Sharpie markers or specialized markers for glass?
Thanks in advance!!
I found today that Modgepodge makes a dishwasher safe coating for vinyl on mugs and etc. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work on etched colored glass. Just make sure to only cover area that is etched. Do not put it where your mouth would touch the glass. I will eventually try this.
The mod lodge dries clear but is next to impossible not have brush strokes showing. I don’t know what I am doing wrong but I won’t be using it on clear glass again.
Also I have a hard time getting the Rub and buff off of the non etched glass. Also probably something I am doing wrong. LOL
WOW, i picked up alot of tips that I hadn’t heard before. I saw this rub n buff product mentioned elsewhere a few days ago with rave reviews, but also not sure how long it will last. I read through all the comments and didn’t see this tip, so I’d like to share one. The etching creme is expensive and many say when done etching and the wait period, scrape the excess back into the container, then rinse the glass.
Will the Rub N Buff work if im useing a dremel to etch on my glass?