This week, I experimented with Etchall Etching Creme. This is an etching cream (I did a review of the liquid/dip version of this product here>) This product can be used with stencils and the Designer Tip Kit for etching glass and ceramics. Along with the Etching Creme, I used their Designer Tip Kit, a custom hand cut contact paper stencil, a paint brush, and a plastic stencil with a sponge pouncer.
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The etching process takes only 15 minutes. The etching cream is reusable, and can be scraped back into it’s plastic jar when using it with a stencil. This is not possible when using it for detail work. After the etching creme is rinsed from the etched item, the surface is matte and opaque much like beach glass or unglazed pottery.
The etching creme is the color of butterscotch pudding and about the same consistency. It has a bit of a sweet smell, vs harsh like other etching product brands. The color has no effect on the color of the etching.
Here is the description from the website.
etchall® etching crème is a re-usable crème that produces a white opaque, permanent etched finish on glass, mirror, ceramic, porcelain, marble and slate.
The Art and Craft Material Institute has approved etchall® etching creme to be used by children 12 years and older, children under 12 years can use etchall under the supervision of their parents. It conforms to ASTM-D4238.Product Applications: Hobby & Crafts, Home Décor, Gifts, Commercial, Industrial
Stencil Compatibility: Pre-cut vinyl, Rub-on stencils, Peel and stick stickers, Resist gel, Photo resist
I wanted to make some fancy designs, so I added etching creme to one designer tip bottle. This was hard, as the creme is thick and the opening for the bottle is small. I was wearing vinyl gloves, which was good because I had to push the creme inside the bottle using my fingers. After it was filled enough, I tested out the tips. The small and medium ones are so small it’s hard to squeeze the creme through them. However, the yellow tip provided a nice controlled flow without hurting my fingers too much. I tested the creme and tips on these flat back glass marbles. They etched for 15 minutes on a plastic plate. Then, I put a plastic strainer in the sink to catch any dropped marbles, and rinsed the creme off. I dried them with paper towels. I love the contrast between the etched design and glossy glass.
For the first test, I placed a design under the glass and then used an etching tip to draw on top:
For this one, I tested the product using a stencil that I hand-cut.
For this vase, I cleaned it with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel before adding my design. Following the curves of the glass, I added a spider web design using the Etching Creme inside the Designer Tips bottle. You must be careful not the smear the design, as the etching starts immediately. After I finished adding the spiderweb I added a little spider.
Time for a bit of project fail. I had drawn a little design on this piece of mirror, but totally forgot about it for HOURS! When I finally remembered and washed it off, the etching had caused the design to fog. This is bad. Don’t do what I accidentally did. At least you know what can happen if your surpass the 15 minute etching time.
Now, I know that Etching Creme isn’t recommended to paint with using normal stenciling methods or a paint brush, but I had to test that. I bought this lovely purple mug from a thrift store for a few cents. For one side, I held a leopard print stencil to the mug and used a sponge pouncer to apply some Etching Creme. I removed and cleaned the stencil off. For the other side, I dipped my paint brush into the Etching Creme and painted letter “A” on it. As predicted, both of these had inconsistent results. Should you want to etch your mugs with a design, cut it from contact paper first, apply and smooth to your mug, and add the Etching Creme the design using the squeegee. You’ll have an evenly etched design.
PROS:
- Can make detailed designs with the Etching Creme if used with the Designer Tips Kit
- Can be used with adhesive vinyl stencils
- Is reusable when used with stencils
- Medium consistency like pudding
- Doesn’t run. Stays in place when applied
- No foul odor
CONS:
- Will distort etched design by fogging by left on longer than 15 minutes
- Can not be painted or traditionally stenciled with.
- Can not be reused when applied with Designer Tips Kit
Etchall Etching Creme is sold 4 fl. oz. 118 ml for $17.99, 16 fl. oz. 473 ml (1 pint) for $42.99 and 32 fl. oz. 946 ml (1 quart) for $73.99. If you like doing big or multiple etching projects, I suggest getting the large jar. You can only reuse it for stencils, so keep that in mind when planning your projects. I love how easy it was to draw with after it was inside the Designer Tips bottle. Of the projects I did, my favorite was the spiderweb vase. Make sure the Designer Tips bottle has ample Etching Creme inside, to prevent it from burping and spraying product…kind of like a ketchup squeeze bottle does when it gets to the bottom. For large projects, do the etching in sections, to prevent sections from overetching and fogging. I had a little of that on the swirl frame and vase, because applying the design took longer than 15 minutes, so where I started etched longer than where I finished.
You also may be interested my review of Etchall Etching Dip ‘N’ Etch- just click the link!
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