1. Clean the glass or mirror thoroughly to remove all grease, dust and fingerprints. Avoid cleaner solutions that advertise Finger print resistant, as these cleaners leave a film on the glass that hinders the etching process. Avoid finger prints on the glass where you are going to etch. Dry glass or mirror completely.
2. Selecting stencil design and applying to glass Choose the design of your choice and carefully cut the stencil sheet and the frosted backing sheet together to avoid touching the back side of the stencil sheet.Measure carefully to determine where you will locate the stencil on the glass or mirror. Separate the blue stencil sheet from the frosted backing sheet. Put aside the frosted backing sheet to be used later. Place stencil sheet on the glass with the blue (tacky) side touching the glass. Secure stencil sheet temporarily to the glass with masking tape.
3. Using the wood stick enclosed, transfer the stencil from the sheet to the glass surface by rubbing firmly over the design with smooth, even strokes. Rub left and right, then up and down. Do not dig into the stencil. You will be able to see the stencil being transferred by the change in color from a dark blue to a lighter blue. Be careful when you rub near the edge of the stencil not to peel it back up by accident. Remove top carrier sheet
4. When the entire stencil has been adhered, carefully remove some of the masking tape and slowly peel back the clear top sheet. See Photo A2. If the stencil has not been totally adhered to the glass, put the top sheet back down and re-rub area until all pieces are adhered.
5. Preparing the glass for etching Apply a border of masking tape around the entire stencil overlapping the tape on the blue stencil by 1/16" to 1/8", being careful not to overlap the design.This overlap prevents the etching cream from contacting the glass and etching unwanted areas! If a very large area of glass needs to be protected, use strips of adhesive backed shelving vinyl. When all sides of the stencil have been taped, use the white frosted backing sheet to lightly rub over the entire stencil area. Check the stencil for small tears or holes by holding the project up to the light. If any holes appear, cover them with small pieces of tape. Be careful where you put the tape, because the stencil will tear if you try to remove it.
6. Applying the Armour Etch
   For best etching results we recommend that the room temperature, the etching cream temperature and the object you are etching be around 70 degrees F. Shake the ARMOUR ETCH Cream thoroughly. Work in a well lighted and well ventilated area near a water source. Wear plastic gloves and protective eye-wear. You must apply a thick layer of etching cream in order for the chemical to react properly on the glass or mirror. Thick enough so that you cannot see the design of the stencil through the Armour Etch Cream. Stay within taped area.
7. Removing etching cream & stencil Allow ARMOUR ETCH Cream to remain on glass for one minute only.. No longer! Immediately wash off all the etching cream under lukewarm water. Some of the stencil will be removed during this rinse, but it?s OK. After all traces of the etching cream are washed away, remove all the remaining tape and stencil pieces. Clean the glass using window cleaner and dry completely.

Article Posted: 01/04/2020 10:55:18 AM