This week, I experimented with Etchall Dip ‘N Etc . This is an etching liquid, where you can dip your glass or ceramic items for a more uniform etching. The etching liquid only etches glass and ceramics, so it’s safe to put inside a plastic container that your object will fit inside.

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Along with the Dip ‘N Etch, I used their Resist Gel which creates a barrier against the etching liquid.

The etching process takes only 15 minutes. The etching liquid is reusable, and can be poured back into it’s plastic jar. After the etching liquid residue is rinsed from the etched item, the surface is matte and opaque much like beach glass or unglazed pottery.

Here is the product description from the website:

etchall® Dip ‘n Etch is a re-usable liquid, the consistency of water, that creates a beautiful matte etched finish to glass or mirror.
Objects like beads, stemware, glass bottles, light bulbs, and Christmas ornaments can be easily dipped into etchall® dip ‘n etch for an overall even etched surface that is permanent and fingerprint-proof.

Many sandblast artists dip their sandblasted pieces in etchall® dip ‘n etch to protect them from smudges and fingerprint marks. Objects that have been dipped have “tooth”, a matte surface that you can paint, ink, rubber stamp or draw on. Think of the fun of recycling empty wine bottles, pickle jars, and cosmetic bottles.
etchall® dip ‘n etch is easy to use and only takes 15 minutes. Etchall etchmask and etchall® resist gel can both be used with dip ‘n etch to create beautiful designs.
When etching Pyrex, test first. Some Pyrex will not etch.

Use dip ‘n etch for an overall etch on items such as glass stemware, light bulbs or bottles. Once you have etched your object, you have created “tooth”, a surface which allows oil or acrylic paint, permanent ink, and rubber stamping to adhere to the glass surface.

Use on: glass, mirror, ceramic, porcelain, marble, or slate.

The Art and Craft Material Institute has approved etchall® dip ‘n etch 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.

Re-usable: Yes

Disposal: Will not harm plumbing. Flush with plenty of water.

Caution: Will etch porcelain sinks and tubs. Neutralize with water and baking soda before disposing in porcelain or ceramic sinks.

Product Applications:
Craft and Bead, Home Décor, Gifts, Commercial, Industrial

Stencil Compatibility:
Etchall etchmask, Rub on transfer stencils, Peel and stick stencils, Photo resist, Etchall resist gel, Pre-cut vinyl

To start with, I tested it on some flat back marbles from a dollar store. I used the Resist Gel to draw some basic designs on the marbles, so you could see the contrast of the protected shiny design and the etched matte negative space. After the Resist Gel had dried (which takes an hour+), I poured some of the Etchall Dip ‘N Etch into an old plastic container. I carefully placed the marbles into the etching liquid. I put my timer at 15 minutes, as instructed. After 15 minutes passed, I removed the etched marbles from the liquid.

Pro tip:I placed a plastic pasta strainer in my sink, so if I dropped anything while washing, it wouldn’t go down into the garbage disposal. This also helps catch the bits of resist gel that detached from the objects as I washed them.

I dried them with a paper towel. If you wanted a completely matte finish, skip the Resist Gel, and just dip your marbles into the Dip ‘N Etch. Since the matte finish resembles beach glass, they would be great for beachy projects.

For this part of the review, I use resist gel and drew on leaves. I waited the time indicated on the product, then dipped it in the Etchall according to manufacturer’s directions.

Pro Tip: To pour the liquid back into the jar, place the funnel part of the soda bottle into the jar, with both lids off. Carefully pour the left over etching liquid back into it’s jar. Rinse out the soda bottle parts for reuse.

I bought a plain black glazed ceramic mug from a thrift store, for a few cents. I poured some etching liquid into a plastic container that was large enough to hold the mug, but not too much as the mug will disperse the liquid. I carefully sat the mug into the liquid inside the plastic container. I used marbles to weight the mug down. 15 minutes of etching, a rinsing, and a drying later, I had this two-textured mug. I did notice there is some white residue around the handle. This might be something to do with a build up of glaze there exposed by the etching. I tried cleaning that with rubbing alcohol, but there was little improvement. I also noticed that the matte etched section scratches a lot easier than the glazed section.

 I wanted to test the ability to paint the etched surface. I dipped the bottom into the same container that I had finished dipping to mug into. After the 15 minutes had passed, it was was washed and dried. I repeated the dipping to the top portion, waiting 15 minutes, washing and drying it.

Later, I used red acrylic paint and a small brush to paint the bottom etched section. This could be sealed for long term use.

The Resist Gel worked perfectly, preventing the Dip ‘N Etch from etching the protected designs. If you add the Resist Gel to your objects, before etching, you can achieve a nice contrasting design between the shiny and matte finishes.

PROS:

• Etches starts immediately when the liquid comes in contact with the object to be etched
• Finished etching within 15 minutes
• Gives an overall even etching
• Etched surface can be painted with acrylics, oils, inks, etc.
• The packaging recommends wearing gloves while using the product, however all of the video tutorials show use without gloves. No burning sensation was felt by touching the etching liquid barehanded
• Etchall Dip ‘N Etch has no acid, so it’s a much safer alternative to other etching solutions
• There is no toxic smell. If there are any fumes, they are oderless
• The etching process is easily stopped by rinsing the pieces
• The etching liquid can be poured into plastic without damage

CONS:

• If you don’t have enough liquid to completely submerge the piece as desired, and you have to dip the ends separately, you will get an overlapping etched section. The only way to avoid this is making sure you have enough solution, which can be tricky for large objects. Ex. my leaves vase had the ends dipped separately
• The line between the etched and unetched sections might be uneven if the liquid shifts while it’s etching
• Any etchable object that comes in contact with the liquid, will start etching immediately. You must be very clean and make sure no etching liquid touches where you don’t want it. Keep hands and work surface dry to prevent this…but it’s hard
• Since the solution works well to remove the shine and create a matte surface to glass and ceramic, it will etch porcelain and ceramic tubs and sinks. I recommend rinsing your items in a metal sink or in a plastic container of water instead

If you are interested in the Etchall creme, read the review here.

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