So this is my third project using the Cricut Explore, and I think its my favourite so far. If you haven’t seen my other posts, I’ve decorated a iPad case and with my daughters, made a fathers day card.
I’ve loved this project, so much so, that I’m going to be etching another mirror next week. If you have any questions, or suggestions what I should etch next time, I’d love to know.
Firstly I used my brilliant Cricut Explore to make a template, then followed the instruction on the etching paste. It’s important to follow the safety instructions such as protecting your hands, and working with a window open. So please make sure if you do this project, you read them carefully.
So here is the really simple process in photographs:
**Amendment** After practising this method more, I would leave the etching paste for 20 minutes, then carefully remove the paste. Wear latex gloves if you have to. When you are removing the paste rub carefully, as this will help take away any of the stubborn dried on residue.
I’d bought a couple of mirrors in the sale, they were great quality, and only a few pounds, I think £6 for the smallest and £8, real bargains as they should have been around £40 each.
As you can see I etched a crown on this one, as it was for the littlest princess in The Ana Mum Diary household Miss A. It’s not perfect, and I can see a couple of imperfections, but next time I definitely can learn from my mistakes.
My top tips would be :
1. Apply the paste with a sponge. I used a cut up washing up sponge. Dabbing the paste onto the mirror, or glass. I wouldn’t wipe the paste on, or paint it, as I think it would spoil the crisp edge created by the template.
2. Apply generously. For my next project I would apply more generously than I did on the above images, as the crown is a little patchy.
I would love to have some suggestions of what you would like to see me etch next onto a mirror. It looks just like this one, only larger. Please let me know in the comments below.
ninja Cat says
June 24, 2014 at 9:56 amI would love to see an inspirational phrase, a quote perhaps to bring joy to the start of the day.
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Hayley Karr says
June 25, 2014 at 9:34 amIn the first picture it looks like you might not have washed all the Armour Etch off. If it looks uneven, patchy, or more white in some spots than others, then you probably missed a dried layer. You can actually kind of scrub at it and it won’t hurt it any since it actually dissolves off a layer of the glass on the mirror. That and I’ve always left mine on at least 20 minutes, I’ve had some that didn’t turn out as well with just 10 or 15. I’m not saying it doesn’t look good, but it is chemicals and not something you would want to rub off or flake onto your skin later. Oh, and don’t brush like it’s paint, just kind of ‘plop’ over the stencil, I’ve had plenty get smudged by trying to brush it thinner. Sorry this is so long.
Amanda Cottingham says
June 29, 2014 at 9:52 amGood tips, thanks Hayley. I definitely didn’t scrub at the etch paste as I was removing it, so you are right, maybe that’s what the patchiness is. I used a sponge (not a brush) and dabbed, so I’m sure that bit was right, but perhaps a little longer, and more scrubbing next time. Thanks for stopping by and helping! 🙂
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becky says
July 4, 2014 at 7:49 amso cool you MUST teach me how to do this
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Amanda Cottingham says
July 4, 2014 at 9:39 amI have a mirror left to do…just need a gem of an idea!
Lynette says
January 10, 2016 at 3:33 pmIn reference to “gem” idea for next one…
On lower space of mirror, a “diamond necklace” !
Or maybe pearls with “shining star” !
Amanda Cottingham says
January 15, 2019 at 11:06 amLove this idea!
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Jen says
July 8, 2014 at 11:03 amThis looks great, I’m so impressed! Great idea too. Could you etch some lettering onto the other mirror, maybe in a foreign language, something that inspires you every time you look into the glass?
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Arolyn Sargent says
November 4, 2016 at 12:21 amI am trying to print out a name of the company and etch on mugs to fill with M&M for christmas. When I print name out of card stock I could not get close enough on mug so it ran under letters. I used contac paper but the letters such as a,b,d,e, came out in blobs as the the inner part of the letter comes out whe I take off the matt. Help… I have 30 to do by Dec. 10
Amanda Cottingham says
November 5, 2016 at 9:52 amHiya, I think it’s what you are using that is wrong, and possibly the size or font? I’ve only ever done it using vinyl, which cuts lettering really clearly I’ve found. Also make sure you choose a font that’s simple. Hope that helps.
Eileen M. says
August 11, 2017 at 4:07 pmMaybe. A date and initial or names for a wedding gift
Willa Blake says
September 8, 2017 at 2:51 pmI’m having so much trouble learning to download svg. Files to use with my cricut explore. I’m using iPad and. iPhone 7 . Any ideas or help ?please and thank you!
Sonja Mclane says
March 25, 2018 at 11:01 amI would love to see wine glasses or the clear glass blocks etched. I don’t have a cricut but I have a Silhouette Cameo which will do the same things. I have yet to actually use it for anything but want to in a really bad way!!! I just have to work on my patience. I am disabled and my disease affects my memory so it hard to figure new things out
Kristen says
August 9, 2018 at 9:05 pmI’d love seeing a fairy in the corner with a wand out over where the face is, or maybe a few flowers where they would seem to rest in the hair? I love the crown you made! Thanks for the inspiration =)
Amanda Cottingham says
August 11, 2018 at 9:21 pmOh what a lovely idea!!
Sarah says
January 9, 2019 at 6:11 pmI etch items all the time from mirrors to wine glasses, anything glass…lol. Definitely dab as you apply and re-dab through out the time you leave it on, ensures an even etch. If you do this the wait time is not as long before you wash it off, I only wait 5-10 min with 2-3 “re-dabs”. Also, you can re-use the extra etch cream by using a brush to “scoop” it towards the middle and off the glass, never towards the edge. I have done over 4 dozen projects of various sizes with the same 10 oz bottle of armour etch cream and still can do more!
Amanda Cottingham says
January 9, 2019 at 7:31 pmGlad to hear you enjoy doing it too. Like tip about reusing the extra etch cream… thanks!