As many of you probably know, there are a few ways to create personalized glassware. One process that people don’t usually talk about much is using acid. I believe it’s used in the larger commercial glass manufacturers more often than small business applications.
One reason people tend to stay away from it is because it is very dangerous. It’s an acid! It is so strong, that it can penetrate through your skin. I myself have not worked with this type, but you can read more about acid etching (link). Read more about what it is over at the article.
Also, the cream that most hobbyists and crafters use is a form of the acid. Really its a washed down version of it. Check this out (www.glassetchingsecrets.com/cream.html) for more about the makeup of acid etching cream used for crafters.
The cream usually doesn’t work as well in comparison to the strong acid and sandblaster method. But, it can be used in combination with the sandblaster method. This can actually be a very cool and creative way to use both of these. Say if a pattern has two different colors next to each other, and you don’t want to use heavy two stage sandcarving techniques, you can sandblast one color and use the cream for another. This will show the distinctive differences of pattern colors.
You can try this if you just don’t have a pressure pot sandblaster and only have the siphon blaster available.
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I have used HF in the past to etch flashed glass for windows I have sold. I got the acid from friends and do not remember the strength of such. The cream is not suitable for my purpose. Can you tell me the strength of the liquid I would need and a place from where I might order some?