Categories
Module 1

Sandblasting Tutorial

Part 2: Removing the Stencil & Viewing the Etched Glass


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Summary:

The two videos shows a basic sandblasting tutorial of how to etch glass with a sandblaster. Video Part 1 shows the sandblast glass etching process and explains some brief tips when using the pressure pot or siphon sandblaster.

Video Part 2 explains removing the stencil while cleaning up the abrasive and shows me viewing the final etched glass product so you can see what it looks like.[/nonmember]

Categories
Module 1

Stenciling Basics

Part 1: Stencil Placement, Using Tracing Paper & Design Books Tutorial

Part 2: Transferring & Cutting the Design Tutorial

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Summary, shows the stencil placement on the glass, and the simple technique of using tracing paper & design books for a glass etching pattern.

Part 2 shows a step by step tutorial on how to transfer and cut the design.[/nonmember]

Categories
Module 1

Module 1 Sections

Module 1.1 talks about the basics of sandblasting and types of sandblasters.
Module 1.2 talks about the typical settings or standards for sandblasting.
The engraving part of module 1 talks gives some brief videos on the basics brought to us by corning museum of glass.

Categories
Module 1

Engraving

These are brief videos about rotary types & engraving techniques brought to you by the Corning Museum of Glass, Dremel Tool, & other members.

Brief explanation of engraving on glass with rotary tools.

Dremel Simple Tutorial

Polishing Techniques: Polish the Glass Engraving


Other Videos

Video presented by The Studio of The Corning Museum of Glass.

The Czech artist Jiří Harcuba shows how he engraves with diamond, stone, and copper wheels, creating innovative portraiture on glass with the highest level of craftsmanship. He talks about his life, his work, and his interest in philosophy and psychological studies of major figures. He also comments on some of the engraved and carved glass objects in the Museum’s collection.

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Summary:
These are brief videos about rotary types engraving techniques brought to you by the Corning Museum of Glass.

Brief explanation of engraving on glass with rotary tools.

[/nonmember]

Categories
Module 1

Sandblaster Tips

I made this for one of my other sites about the different sandblasting tips.

Although I mentioned those inexpensive ceramic tips in the video, I don’t recommend them for sandblasting glass because we use a harder abrasive which will deteriorate them much quicker.

Categories
Module 3

Signblazer Fixes 2

If you downloaded the free SignBlazer stencil cutting software that I showed you in the Glass Etching Secrets Manual, you may have realized that a pop up opens looking for updates. This is not only annoying, but it is also unnecessary because there are no updates available because the company isn’t around anymore. So I included a quite tutorial to fix this below. You still need to follow my steps explained in the manual for using the free version.

Follow the steps and pictures below:

  1. Right click the desktop shortcut icon for the Signblazer cutting software. Then click Properties to open the pop up window. Changing software settings for the stencil cutting program.
  2. Click the Shortcut tab when the pop up window opens and look for the Target preference is. In the Target preference box, change the sb.exe to sbnt.exe. Then click save. Second part to changing the stencil software's settings.

And that’s all you need to do. When you open Signblazer, the annoying pop up asking to search for updates will no longer happen and it will save you some time. Got a question? Leave if below and I will get back to you.

Categories
Module 3

Signblazer Fixes

Okay, if you have downloaded the stencil cutter software, SignBlazer Elements which I showed you how to get for free in the Glass Etching Secrets manual, you may have realized it automatically creating .pvw files on your computer.

I have been annoyed with this for some time, but just recently looked into. I haven’t seen a perfect fix yet (there was an update that fixed this from the company’s website, but its not there anymore) since the company of SignBlazer is no longer in existence but this will solve the problem.

This .pvw file is known as a preview file and for some reason the software automatically saves it from every single image on your computer from the folder your viewing. So if you have a bunch of images on the desktop of your computer and your importing a vector file from there, it will create .pvw files for all the images.

You can fix this by disabling the preview feature when importing files. Follow the pictures and instructions below:

  1. Go to File and Import just like you always do when starting a project.
  2. On the bottom right side in the pop up window, check mark the box that says “No Previews”. Although this fixes the problem, it doesn’t allow you to preview which image is the one you want when importing. You have to remember what the file name is called then.

Got another question about the stencil software, then leave a comment below.

Categories
Module 1

Vinyl Cut Stencil Instructions

I decided to create this quick instructional guide to help assist those that got a free etching stencil from me. Its fairly simple but it should definitely help. When you receive them in the mail, they should look like this below. They have three layers of sheets. The top layer is a clear sheet which transfers the stencil. The middle layer is the actual stencil itself which is blue. The bottom layer is white and is just the backing paper which will get removed. Remember to clean the glass thoroughly even if it looks clean. Glass usually has oils from your hands on it so use something like rubbing alcohol to clean it.

A sample of one of the free glass etching stencils that I provide for people that refer to my site.

Follow the steps below:

  1. Remove the white backing paper from the other two layers. You do this by pulling the clear transfer sheet off and the blue stencil should be stuck to it. Make sure you pull it off slowly so that every stencil detail is sticking with the clear sheet. You need to pull it off 180 degrees as seen below. Getting the stencil ready for transferring.  Removing the backing paper.
  2. Place one edge of the stencil onto the glass or what ever object your using. You’ll have to line it up correctly by measuring it or you can eye ball it which I didn’t really do since this was just a sample. Positioning the stencil on the glass for etching.
  3. Now smoothly squeegee the stencil onto the glass making sure there are no air bubbles. If you don’t have a plastic squeegee, you can use a lot of different things such as cardboard. If its a small stencil like this one, you can also use your finger if you want. Make sure it is firmly placed onto the glass, especially paying attention to the edges so that your etching cream or sandblasting media doesn’t get under the stencil.Using a squeegee to place the stencil on glass.
  4. Remove the transfer sheet by pulling it off 180 degrees and make sure that none of the stencil comes up with it. If the stencil starts to come off, place the transfer back the other way and try again at 180 degrees. Finish applying the stencil and removing the transfer paper.
  5. Then all you do is mask off the outside areas of the stencil and etch the exposed areas. I made a tutorial that shows you how to etch glass if you need further guidance.

My last suggestions is to run hot water over the stencil after you have etched the glass. This will make the stencil come off very easy.

[nonmember]Some basic instructions to use for placing a vinyl cut stencil. Shows the steps in order:

  • Applying the transfer sheet
  • Removing the backing paper
  • Aligning the stencul onto the glass
  • Using  a squeegee
  • And peeling off the transfer sheet

[/nonmember]

Categories
Module 1

Video of Etching Cream Vs. Sandblasting

As I have stated a lots of times here, there are many ways to create etched glass. But instead of having me ramble on about it, I thought I would show you a video I made. This doesn’t show you all the ways though. It only shows the sandblasting and cream etching technique.

It first goes into sandblasting glass with the variable sandblast nozzle that I made which is similar to the PAB blaster used for artistic etching. Then for the second part, I show you the etching cream method which only takes a few etching supplies such as an exacto knife, a brush, and the cream.

I am not the greatest with making videos, but at least you can get the point. I might be getting better though :) . I’ll be working on trying to figure out how to make better videos here soon and let everyone know about it for stuff like sandcarving. Okay, I hope the video helps and please leave me comments or questions about it.

[nonmember]
The video shows the various processes of sandblast etching and cream etching. These are basic video tutorials of how to etch or sandcarve glass. Sorry if these don’t go in very much depth. Our premium videos go more in detail about this. If you have any questions about cream or sandcarve etchings, feel free to shoot me an email. See the video below:
[/nonmember]

Categories
Module 1

Etching Wine Bottle Tutorial

An etched glass wine bottle personalized for a wedding gift.

Personalizing a glass wine bottle can be a great gift for a wedding, anniversary, birthday, or special holiday. And one way to personalize the wine bottle is to etch it and below I show you a the steps it tales to create one with photos to follow along. If you already know the basics of etching glass, then its really the idea that counts so give it a try.

First, pick up a good bottle of wine and remove the front label. The labels are usually hard to remove, so you can try to soak it in water for a while. I use a razor blade to scrap the paper label off and then rub off the glue residue with lacquer thinner and a rag.

Preparing the glass by removing the label.

For the second step, I place the vinyl sheet or contact paper around the front of the bottle.

Applying the stencil to the wine bottle.

Third, draw or trace a white and black stencil design onto the vinyl sheet. Try to make it level as much as possible. There are some ways to do this by measuring. After the pattern is traced, cut out the areas that you want etched. This is usually best done with a exacto knife.

Weeding the stencil and preparing for etching.

Fourth, mask off the outer areas of the stencil. This will prevent any areas that you don’t want etched to be exposed to the etching cream or sandblast.

Masking the wine bottle and preparation for glass etching.

Fifth, once ready, chose the sandblast glass etching, cream etching, or engraving method. For this example, I used the sandblasting method which will lightly chip the surface of the glass. All you do is blast over the exposed areas of the stencil evenly.

For this step, you chose a etching method and begin marking the wine bottle.

Sixth, wipe off and wash any reside. Then peel the vinyl resist off by using a exacto knife to assist.

Removing and cleaning the stencil off the wine bottle

That’s all there is too it. Then just give away the etched glass gift for your occasion.

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A step by step tutorial of me sandblasting a wine bottle glass for a gift. These can be great for personalized wedding gifts, bachelar party gifts, birthday gifts, and anniversary gifts. Learn more inside and etch like a pro![/nonmember]