How to Etch Mirror or Glass : Cricut Explore

I’m really proud of this one, and I think I’ve mastered etching mirrors now.  The key is a little patience (not something I have lots of) and a little elbow grease at the end.  So if you remember my last attempt was for my youngest daughter, and it was a Disney crown (from the Cricut Design Space) etched onto a mirror.  So she could be a princess every morning when she woke up!

How to etch glass

It was great, but not as good as it could be.  I practised some more, and took on some advice from one of my blog readers. (Thank you Hayley Karr) and I tweaked the process slightly.

This next mirror is for my eldest daughter a tween.  Tweenhood is a tricky time, so thought this message would be a good one…..Morning Beautiful!

The finished result

 

I’m so pleased with it, it turned out exactly how I imagined.  I think it would make a great gift for someone, and I’m going to try it on some glass for gifts this Christmas I think.

 

The process is really easy, but let me recap what I did.

Firstly make sure the mirror is clean, and dust free.

 

Place your template on the mirror.  Making sure there are no gaps that the paste can creep into.  I made this template using my Cricut Explore, you can read more about that HERE.  The Cricut Design Space gave me lots of fonts that I could use for this project, I wanted something modern and bold.

 

Liberally apply the paste in a dabbing motion.  I used an ordinary washing up sponge which I cut up into the shape I needed.  I prefer a blunt ‘V’ shape.  I use Armour Etch paste, for my etching, which you order online at places like Amazon for approximately £7-12. It does last for lots of projects, so well worth buying some.

Apply it in a well ventilated room.

Leave for 20 minutes. It’s really important to leave it for at least 20 mins, I wouldn’t leave it for longer than 30 mins.

I then, move to a sink and using the remainder of the sponge you didn’t use to add the Armour Etch, rub the paste away, whilst rinsing it under the tap.  Once the paste has gone, make sure you vigorously rub, as the paste does have a tendency to cling onto the mirror.

It really is so effective!

 

 

So, I’m now planning what I’m going to etch onto some glassware.  I really do love my Cricut Explore!

 

I was gifted a Cricut Explore, you can purchase one at places like Amazon or Hobbycraft.