Since I didn’t discuss in detail about the different and best types of glass cleaner to use in the electronic manual, I figured creating this post will help.
It is essential to use a glass cleaner to clean the surface where you place the stencil. The reason is obvious- to remove any oils or dirt so that the stencil will adhere strongly and not come off when sandcarving. It is even more important if you are using the photoresist stencil process because details are usually finer which makes them more vulnerable to come off. And the adhesive isn’t usually as strong. (People will email me every once in awhile about this problem.)
But some glass cleaners aren’t that great because it leaves residue streaks behind. Recently I tested out and found a great glass cleaner that I wanted to share with everyone. I was surprised at how well this cleaner worked. I honestly believe this is the best window and glass cleaner on the market. This cleaner is called Invisible Glass, which is shown in the picture on the left.
It’s considered a professional glass cleaner. It cleans up very easily and has no streaks. The popular Windex brand promotes it as a streak free cleaner, but I always noticed that it still leaves some behind. I think this Invisible Glass brand is far superior to others and recommend it for any glass art- especially photoresist etching.
Here is one of the websites where I ordered it from: Invisible Glass Cleaner link
Some of the other fluids you can use for glass cleaners are: rubbing alcohol or diluted denatured alcohol.
So I hope this helps.
What type of cleaner do you use or recommend? Leave a comment below. Thanks
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I use methylated spirits and find the best results come from having the glass warm before doing anything. the warmth helps the cleaning and softens the resist which promotes adhesion especially on rougher surfaces.
I use a mix of 1/3 water, 1/3 rubbing alcohol, and 1/3 white vinager in a spray bottle. It seems to work for me
I usually use what Jim is using. It keeps me in my financial guideline for now. lol
I use a cleaner by the name of “ZEP” which I purchase at any Lowes. I find that
it too, does a fantistic job without leaving any residue on my glass. I will try the rubbing alcohol, though.
Nadina, I will check out ZEP and give it a try also. I have got a lot of emails and comments from people talking about using vinegar so I’d try that too.
I really like your idea EtchWorx. Thanks for sharing
While we’re on the subject of cleaning glass, it occured to me that I’m having a problem cleaning finger prints off the portion of glass already etched. I’ve tried everything, but for some reason, the oil from my fingers won’t clean up. Anyone else have this problem, and if so, what do you do about it?
Nadina
I use the methylated spirit for that as well but if the marke are stubborn try a 50/50 mix of acetone with metho. Cornflour , baking soda and talc have all been used for cleaning marks from etchings as well. They all work depending on the nature of the marks
wowwww i also used spirit but i’m looking forward to the new solution
Ha! Just quit my job yesterday…used Zep for 2 years. It’s a great cleaner/disinfectant, just make sure you don’t get it on your hands or breathe fumes if you mix it with a large bucket of hot water. Also, mixing with water is a better idea. If you don’t, it takes a LOT longer to rinse off!
I have worked in the house cleaning for 20 years and have to tell you that I have tried just about every single glass cleaner on the market including a make-it-myself recipe. Got this Powglass from a friend of mine the other day and it’s a bomb. no streaks – none. the most amazing thing it doesn’t leave any streaks on the sun. absolutely love it and recommend it.