Supplies:
- Armour Etch
- Glass that can be etched onto
- Paint brushes (not sponge brushes). I like these silicone brushes.
- Gloves to protect your hands
- Stencil or permanent vinyl. I used stencil flexible film.
- Markers if you want to color your etched areas. These are the markers I used, but other markers will also work. Rub n buff also works well.
- Water. The temperature does not make a difference. Do not use a porcelain sink.
- Transfer tape. I do not recommend the strong grip transfer tape.
- Dishwasher Mod Podge, if you want to be able to wash your glass after you colored it. This is not needed if you do not color your etching or do not plan on washing it.
- Masking tape
- Slate options
Steps:
- Clean glass and dry it with a lint free cloth.
- Wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area
- Use transfer tape to apply stencil to glass. Make sure there are no
bubble around the stencil design where the etching cream can seep
under. - Apply masking tape to any exposed areas of glass you do not want
to be etched. - Use a paint brush or silicon brush (not sponge brush) to apply
Armour Etch to glass. Only apply the Armour Etch to the areas of your
design that you want to be etched. Apply more Armour Etch than
needed to ensure area is completely covered and leave it on glass for
about 5 min. It is okay if you leave it on longer. - Remove extra Armour Etch cream from glass and put it back in your
bottle to be used again. - Rinse glass under running water. Rub gloved hand over Etched
areas to insure extra Etching cream is removed. The temperature of the
water does not matter. Do not use a porcelain sink, or the Armour Etch
will remove the shiny layer from your sink. - Remove stencil and run under water to remove any left over Armour Etch. Used gloved hand to help remove extra Armour Etch.
Material | Does it Etch? |
---|---|
Metal | No, but did have a reaction |
Slate (leave for at least 10 min) | Yes |
Clay | Yes |
Glazed Clay | Yes |
Confetti | No |
Colored Glass | Yes |
Frosted Glass | Yes |
wood | No |
Marble | Yes |
Mirror | Yes |
Acrylic | No |
Coffee Cup | Yes |
Resin | No |
Glass Tile | Yes |
Everything that Etched


















This was a lot of fun to try a wide variety of different materials. I was the most surprised about the etched area showing up on the clay. It did not quite etch it, but it is permanent there. So, I would say it works! I also found it interesting that most of the metals I tried, the etching cream left almost a burn look to it. I am curious what would happen if the etching cream was left on the metal longer. Would I have a burnt looking heart on my metal? If this is something you would like to find out, then let me know and I will try it. Also is there a material I did not try that you would like to see me try? Maybe other types of metals? If so let me know. What material were you surprised it etched or did not etch?
This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.