Glass engraving

Keywords :

Glass engraving

Glass engraving is normally considered to be more of a "leisure" craft and it is attracting more and more amateurs. This technique is easily accessible to those who have real patience and an eye for detail.

Use this technique to decorate champagne glasses, candle holders and jugs. You can start off using simple designs and as you practice and improve you can move onto more taxing ones. When your are confident enough, why not move onto crystal!

Supplies

Tools

For the cutting :
- 1 tool holder which will serve as the diamond or power grinder holder.
- Metal diamonds of different cuts, possibly tungsten carbide

1 small grinder/power tool for frosting over larger surfaces
It is recommended that you wear protective eye-wear and a mask whilst doing this activity.

Materials

1 glass stand
Alcohol and fabric for cleaning
1 sheet of paper to trace the pattern or 1 dark felt tip
Dark fabric

Directions

Prepare the surface for glass engraving

Clean the surface to be engraved to remove grease traces with an alcohol soaked cloth.

Draw or trace your pattern onto a sheet of paper which will be fixed onto the inside of the glass with sticky tape, or draw it directly onto the glass using a felt pen.

Support the object using dark fabric;

Begin glass engraving

Start by tracing the outline of the pattern with a diamond point (chosen depending on the desired finish).

Remove the pattern paper and replace it with dark fabric to be ale to see your work easier.

For larger areas that require "frosting", start by hatching the area with a medium sized diamond then use the grinder power tool.

Regularly remove the glass dust particles with a rag.

Clean with soapy water.

Tips

When engraving straight lines, use sticky tape as a ruler.
Attention :
- Cheap glasses are harder and therefore more brittle.
- Do not trust bubbles which are in certain glasses, they may burst during engraving, shattering the glass and damaging your work.

To frost larger areas, we advise you to use acid, applied by a brush. ! : It is dangerous and therefore should not be used by children. In all cases, comply with the make's regulations.

To give more of a party feel to your engravings, don't hesitate to colour them with polishing wax. Apply with a soft cloth.