How to Etch Glass with Cricut: A Stepwise Guide for Beginners
Have you ever wondered how to etch glass with Cricut? If no! Then, prepare yourself as you are about to be a part of a fantastic ride. The day after tomorrow, my husband Richard Spouse is turning 40, and I am going to surprise him by designing an etched wine glass for his special day. It’s been a while since I have been creating various DIY projects, but glass etching is my personal favourite.
One of the features of etching glass is that it instantly adds a spark to the material, making it look more eye-catching and unique. No doubt, it’s compulsory to have certain supplies that will help me shape the craft. If you are new to Cricut? So, this tutorial is going to be beneficial for you. Here, you will also learn about the supply list and process.
What Materials Will You Need for Cricut Etch Glass?
Intending to make you learn about how to etch glass with Cricut; I will make you aware of the materials that will help me during the glass etching process. You are personally advised to choose the materials correctly and use them correctly without damaging the project. Have a look at the list below:
Any model of Cricut machine
Design Space software
Cricut cutting mat
Cricut vinyl
Transfer tape
Etching cream
Paintbrush
Cricut weeding tool
Cricut scraper tool
Alcohol-free wipe
Glass project blank
How to Etch Glass with Cricut Machine?
As an expert in etching glasses for various events, I highly recommend you go through this section. The below steps will help you in creating a design on the glass in no time. You might be thinking that it’s going to be a little complicated task, but don’t worry, as I’ve explained the process in simple words.
Step 1: Create Your Design on Cricut Design Space
In the first step, you need to log in to your Cricut Design Space. After that, press the New Project option, and press the Upload button on the canvas. Next, choose your design from the Recently Uploads section and then change its size depending on your choice.
Afterward, tap the Text symbol, enter your text inside the box, and change its font, colour, and size. Once you are done finalizing the text, place it inside the design and tick the Weld button. After pressing the option, your whole design will instantly become a single piece and will fill in all the blanks.
Now, measure your glass blank and change your design by unlocking the Height and Width dimensions. Apart from that, you can also make changes in size or design before the cutting process.
Step 2: Cut Vinyl and Weed Out Your Design
After completing the design, you have to cut a specific portion of my Cricut vinyl with a scissor or trimmer. Then, place the vinyl on the upper left side of your mat with your hands or scraper tool to avoid any gaps or bubbles.
Furthermore, tick the Make It button in the top right corner of your screen. Next, you have to wait till your devices are getting connected. After the connection is complete, tap the Vinyl option from the materials list and then tick the Continue option.
Further adding to the how to etch glass with Cricut step, press the Up & Down blinking button and then the blinking C button. After a few seconds, the machine will begin cutting your cutting mat and then unload it. With the completion of the cutting process, remove the extra material from the design with your Cricut weeding tool.
Step 3: Transfer the Design to Glass
After finishing up the above two steps, unwrap your glass blank and clean it with alcohol-free wipes. Ensure that you are using a clean wipe and gently move the wipe in a circular motion, covering the whole area of the glass. If your glass is too dirty, then clean it two or three times with new wipes.
When the glass is spotless, let it dry for a few minutes, and place the transfer tape of the same size on your design. Now, flip your design upside down and peel off the backing with the weeding tool. Following this, place the transfer tape on your glass and use the scraper tool for proper alignment.
Step 4: Apply Etching Cream
Further adding to the how to etch glass with Cricut blog, peel off your transfer tape and then paint your design with the etching cream. Ensure that you are wearing gloves and use compatible etching cream that won’t affect your glass quality or harm your skin. Now, you need to wait three minutes and keep your glass under the cool water.
Step 5: Reveal Your Final Cricut Etch
Following this, peel away the extra vinyl sticking on the glass after cleaning the etching cream. However, you can also clean your paint brush and then remove the small particles of the cream with it. Now, start peeling the remaining material with the weeding tool with gentle hands, ensuring that it does not break the glass. Also, clean the glass blank with the alcohol-free wipe, and your glass is ready to be gifted as a present to your loved one.
Summing up, you might be wondering about the caring process. Since the design is permanent on the glass, you aren’t supposed to seal it with anything while washing it or putting it into the microwave for heating any food item. Apart from etching mugs, you can also design your cookie plates, wine glasses, candle holders, and many more.
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