Glass etching with a Cricut is actually a super easy project. I feel like many people get intimidated at the thought of this craft so they just skip it. So, today we are going to cover how to etch glass and use your Cricut machine to make the stencils for etching. There are so many great projects that you can make with this technique so be sure to stock up on glass blanks as you will need them!
Supplies needed:
- Armour Etch glass etching cream
- Cricut Permanent Vinyl (be sure to get the permanent version) (this is used for masking so the color does not matter)
- Cricut machine (any will work for this)
- Transfer tape
- Gloves
- Rubbing alcohol
- Glass surfaces (all of the ones shown are from Michaels)
- Weeding tools
- Scraper
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Water
- Cut file (you can get the designs I made here)
- Masking tape
Glass Etching with a Cricut
You can actually watch the entire process in the video below. I explain everything you need to do along with tips and tricks for success.
Can’t watch the video or missed some of the steps? I also have the entire process in the card below so that you can follow along or even print it out.
Supplies
- Armor Etch glass etching cream
- Cricut Permanent Vinyl be sure to get the permanent version (this is used for masking so color does not matter)
- Cricut machine
- Transfer tape
- Gloves
- Rubbing alcohol
- Glass surfaces
- Weeding tools
- Scraper
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Water
- Cut file
- Masking tape
Instructions
- Take your vinyl and cut it to size to fit onto a Cricut mat with scissors. Lay this piece face up on the mat. Cut your design using the vinyl setting. You can see more about working with vinyl on your Cricut here.
- Then you are going to do almost the opposite of what you would normally do. So normally, you would remove everything and then apply a vinyl label. But in this case, we want to remove everywhere where we want etching cream to go. In this case, I removed the box around my letters and left the letters inside. The letters will end up being clear and the box etched. You also want to remove things like the centers of the letters.
- Now, it's time to put the masks onto the bottles. I recommend wearing gloves for this portion as well because the oils from your hands can affect the etching cream. First, be sure to clean the glass well with rubbing alcohol. Allow to dry completely, and then continue. Apply the vinyl with transfer tape right to your glass and use a scraper to remove any bubbles. You should also add some masking tape around the outer edge just to make sure the etching cream does not get on that portion of the glass.
- Apply the Armour Etch with a paintbrush. Again wear gloves for this step. You want to dab it on in a thick coat. Be sure to cover the area completely. You also want to brush in all four directions to help ensure that you have pushed the etching cream into all areas.
- Then set a timer for five minutes and allow your project to sit. Come back and just rinse it off with some water, remove the stencil, and your project is complete.
And that is how you etch glass! It is actually a super easy project, and it only takes a few minutes, and you get to make this amazing decor for your home, or for a gift, all within a couple of minutes.
But I could not stop with just the vinegar and olive oil bottles. This is so easy to do that I just kept going. I made several things in a super short time. All of these designs, by the way, are in the cut file linked above. You can pick which you want to make. You can choose to start with some cute wine glasses.
And you might also want to make some spice jars. Actually, I made a couple of different versions. These smaller ones are for individual spices.
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution for your spice jars, this is definitely it. Then, I made some larger mason jars that actually are for my spice rubs and spice seasoning mixes. These would also be great even larger for your canisters on your kitchen counter.
So, just about any glass that you can think of, you can actually etch it with permanent designs. Then you can make something simply amazing for your home or to give as gifts.
I hope you will grab your Cricut and try some glass etching. You are going to love what you can create!
Love this Cricut craft and want more ideas? Try the links below as well!
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you are amazing! simple and so easy to understand! thank you
Thanks for sharing this great tutorial I will be trying this method
Can you do the same process on picture frame glass? The video was well presented. Thank you again for your awesome tutorials!
Of course! That will definitely work!