AY Honors/Glass Etching/Answer Key

1. Name the tools and items needed for Glass Etching.

Aprons and gloves

Glass etching involves the use of acids, so the safety of your Pathfinders should be your utmost concern.

Exacto knives

To cut out traced design from contact paper.

Contact paper

To protect the area you DON'T want etched.

Carbon paper

To copy designs.

Etching cream

Typically, "glass etching cream" available from art supply stores consists of fluoride compounds, such as sodium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride. The fluoridation of the glass causes the characteristic rough, opaque qualities of frosted glass.

Paint brushes

To apply etching cream.

Newspaper

To protect the surface that you work on.

Rubbing Alcohol

To clean off the glue left from the contact paper.

Window cleaner

To wash the glass before working on it.

Colored Masking tape

To put around the edge of the finished mirror.

Scissors

To cut contact paper.

Timer

(optional, a whatch works just as well.) To time how long the etching cream has been on.

Cotton swabs (e.g. Q-tips)

To apply the rubbing alcohol.

Pens and Pencils

To draw/trace the chosen pattern onto the contact paper.

Paper towels

To wipe off window cleaner.

Stencils

(optional) For ready-made patterns and ideas.

Glass projects

Items made from glass that you want to work on.

2. Name the eleven steps of Glass Etching.

1. Clean glass and tape edges.
2. Choose design and plan.
3. Cover project with contact paper.
4. Rub out air bubbles.
5. Trace stencil pattern.
6. Cut out tracing.
7. Peal or cut contact paper.
8. Remove glue with alcohol.
9. Apply etching solution thickly. Leave it on for the specified length of time.
10. Rinse and dry.
11. Mount and display.

3. What is the technique of applying velvet etch?

Velvet etch is a brand of reusable etching cream. Other brands are available that may have different standing time for the etch. When you apply the etch, you need to daub it on instead of brushing it on. Apply etch with a generous amount on the project. Let it stand for five minutes. Wash off with warm water.