How to Etch on Glass, Using Cricut Explore

Hello folks!

This tutorial is all about etching on glass, using Cricut Explore. A lot easier than you think. Check out the YouTube video of the project here.

Things you'll need:

1. 1 Pyrex Basics 3 Quart Glass Oblong Baking Dish with Red Plastic Lid -13.2 INCH x 8.9inch x 2 inch

2. Oracal Vinyl Self Adhesive Vinyl Sheet

3. Cricut Standard Grip Mat

4. Cricut Scraper

5. Gloves

6. A plate

7. Sponge

8. Armour Etch (Glass etching cream)

I want to personalize a glass dish for someone as a Christmas gift. So, I am using a Pyrex glass dish.

Using a measuring tape, decide the size of the design. The design needs to be in the middle of the surface, with equal space left on the sides. A centrally aligned design is aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Then, log into Design Space and select the design you want. You have tons of options like creating a design yourself, or buying such lettered designs off of Etsy.

Upload the design. Then, choose the font you want to use and in the space given,write the name.

Adjust the font size of the name 'Cindy' and then align the name in the middle of the design. Use the center button for that.

Then, look for the attach button towards the bottom right of the screen. Since the design has many tiny details, it is crucial to attach all parts of the design together. That will ensure that everything cuts out together and not in bits and pieces.

Put the vinyl on the sticky mat. Make sure that there are no bumps or trapped air bubbles. It needs to be as flat as possible. It is a good idea to use the scraper to smoothen it out.

Just like you weed the garden to get rid of the unwanted stuff,you need to weed the design and remove the extra vinyl. Be very careful while weeding or you might accidentally pull parts of the design out.

Turn the dish upside down. Place the design on it. Then, using a sponge, spread Armor Etch (the etching cream) liberally all over the design. By liberally, I mean use the entire bottle of Armor Etch.

Make sure you don't get it on the other edges of the dish or you might end up with some accidental etching on them too.

Let it sit for 15 minutes. Though the instructions on the bottle say 5 minutes, I do 15 minutes to be sure. Get the cream off and put it back in the bottle. Oh yes, you can use it again later!

Rinse the dish well with water. Get the vinyl off as well.

The design will initially look a little dull, but will start showing up once it is completely dry.

Happy etching!