How to Glass Etch a Picture Frame

Craft Supplies:

• Etchall Etching Creme
• Etchmask
• Etchmask Transfer Tape
• Wax Paper
• Squeegee
• Picture Frame
• Picture Print
• Ruler
• Cricut Machine
• Heart Stencil
• Weeding Tool
• Isopropyl Alcohol
• Lint Free Cloth
• Masking Tape

Etchall is the best glass etching cream if you ask me. It goes on nice and thick and the results are always beautiful.

No need to purchase a new frame, if you have picture frames lying around the house, those will work great! A thrift store is also a great place to find inexpensive frames.

In Cricut Design Space I sized the heart to be 4 inches wide and then sent it to my Cricut to cut it out of the Etchmask.

Apply the Stencil:

Take the frame apart, removing the glass front.

Lay the clear glass on top of the photograph and make sure the two are aligned.

Cut a square of wax paper only slightly larger than the heart stencil.

Lay the wax paper over the faces on the glass sheet.

Line the heart shape over the faces. The wax sheet will keep the stencil from sticking before you are ready.

Once in place, adhere only the top portion of the adhesive vinyl in place.

Remove the wax paper and press the rest of the heart stencil into place.

Use the squeegee tool or a scraper, to really press the stencil into the glass surface.

You don't want any air bubbles around the edges of the stencil where etching cream can seep under.

Peel back the transfer tape.

Make sure to protect the back of the glass as well.

I taped the glass to a piece of paper and this didn't work as well as I had hoped.

Instead, I would suggest covering the back of the glass with painter's tape.

Appy Etchall Etching Creme:

For best results, use a lint-free cloth and some rubbing alcohol to clean the glass before etching. This will remove any dirt, dust, smudges, and fingerprints.

Scoop out a spoonful of etching cream and place it on the glass.

Use the squeegee tool to push the cream around the glass until it is well coated.

Let the cream sit on top of the glass for 15 minutes.

If you have sensitive skin, you may want to wear gloves while washing the glass.

In a sink, rinse the glass under warm water and use your fingers to wash off any remaining glass etching cream.

Dry with a paper towel and peel back the vinyl stencil.

Now you can better see the etched design.

Put the glass back into the frame, place the photo into the frame, and secure the back.

This is a very basic design but isn't this etch glass frame so sweet?

It is kind of hard to get a really good picture, but I think you can see the heart best from the side angle.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is etching on glass permanent?

Yes, it is. The etching cream applied to the glass permanently changes the glass and it cannot be removed or wiped away.

Glass etching works by applying an acidic substance to the surface of the glass that will roughen the texture creating a frosted look.

Can you glass etch Pyrex glass?

There are different types of glass and it all depends on how the glass is created. Some Pyrex is manufactured by a heat process that fortifies the glass for use in the oven. This makes the glass harder and more difficult to etch.

It is a good idea to test the glass casserole dishes (or whatever you want to etch) in an inconspicuous place, before attempting it on a larger scale.

How do I clean an etched glass item?

All you need is some glass cleaner and lint-free cloth. No special tools are required.

Can I create my own stencil to use with etching cream?

Yes, you can! Permanent vinyl is a great way to go when creating adhesive stencils especially if you have a vinyl cutter like the Cricut or Silhouette.

You can also hand-cut your own stencils out of contact paper.

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