How can you turn an ordinary simple vase into a fun and personalized gift? I did this with a vase that I bought in the Action, some surplus vinyl and of course glass etching paste.
Create the template first
First I looked for a suitable image, something that my colleague and very good friend would like to see. Simon’s cat was the winner. She has 2 cats herself and of course the names of her darlings had to be included.
I converted the image I found on the internet into a cutting file with my silhouette studio.
The square around my drawing will make it easier to stick the stencil to the glass later. It also provides a safe margin around the drawing to be etched. Although here and there I went a little too close to the edge. But then you hang some extra vinyl over it.
Everything nicely outlined and converted, then we can send it to the cameo. I use glossy vinyl for this, as the paste does not stick to it. I also bought it second hand somewhere so I won’t tear my pants.
Applying the Template
Once everything is cut, we have to start peeling. You do this with a peeling hook or sharp pointed tweezers. That was a lot of work with the fine lines and letters, but I did it.
After everything is peeled, place a piece of transfer tape over the image. 1 by 1 of course as the images end up on opposite sides. Make sure you rub the transfer tape well with a squeegee (a plastic spatula) so that the image comes off easily. Very important, especially if there are many details in your image, like mine.
_CDL_MASK_68__Then remove your image from the carrier and transfer it to your vase (glass, mirror, ….). Again you have to rub it well with your squeegee. Also make sure that you have thoroughly degreased the vase or glass first! Wash dishes with dreft and dry thoroughly, or with window cleaning agent. If you do not do this, your etching paste may not work properly. Also wash your hands thoroughly.
Once you have rubbed everything well, you can remove the transfer tape. Do this with a rolling motion, so do not pull it up, but actually roll it off completely horizontally / pull it away. Do this as carefully as possible so that you do not tear or tear anything. Where necessary, you will have to rub again with the squeegee. This way your image will stick well to your vase or glass.
Etching with etching paste
Now we can start etching, so you do this with glass etching paste (I use that from druma). Do this in a well-ventilated area as it really doesn’t smell good. Be careful not to spill anything on your hands. You can wear gloves for this, I don’t do that, I’m just careful .
I always apply the etching paste with a fairly stiff paint brush, an old one with pig bristles. It is a fairly thick paste so it won’t spread. Accurately cover the entire image. Don’t rub too hard so you don’t damage or loosen your stencil. I actually just dab or stamp it on top.
Once everything is nicely covered, let the paste work for at least 5 minutes, but certainly longer. I do it for about 10-15 minutes to make sure the etching is in the right place. Then you can rinse everything under the tap. Do not do this in a porcelain or stone sink/washbasin as you may damage it. Matte spots.
While you rinse everything nicely, you also remove all the vinyl. This is a lot easier under running water and even easier under warm water.
Once all the vinyl has been removed, I wash everything again with some detergent and then dry it thoroughly. Glass etching paste actually damages the top layer of the glass (eating it away) leaving a rough or matte surface. The nice thing about that is that it never comes off your glass, not even in the dishwasher.
I think the final result is certainly impressive, and so was my friend, who was incredibly happy with it and not just with what was ‘IN’ the vase.
Until next time!