GroupC_Decorative finishes on glass: Sandblasting glass

Company Name: Glass works by Chris Sommer- Fine Art Team
Telephone: 888 619 2226
Email: info@chrissommer.com
Website: www.chrissommer.com

Sandblasting etching
Sandblasting etching tends to provide the artist with richer tone and deeper texture than other methods, such as the etching cream process, do.
Sandblasting is extremely dangerous if not pursued properly. Wear proper breathing respirators, eye goggles and use gloves to protect yourself.

How to Sandblast Glass
1. Once you have your sandblaster, your glass, and your design in mind cover the area you wish to remain untouched. This means the areas which you are going to etch should be exposed, and nothing else.

2. Apply a vinyl adhesive such as contact paper to the glass flushy. Make sure that there are no air bubbles which could throw off the design.

3. Place the image you wish to blast on top of the glass precisely where you want it to be permanently.

4. Trace the image(which should be black and white to limit confusion and mistakes) with an exact-o knife or box cutter. Do this carefully and slowly.

5. Peel the cut areas away from the contact paper. This should leave a distinct outline for the pattern you are looking to blast.

6. Turn on your sandblaster and blast away.

Tips 
The design usually looks best on the other side of where the blasting occurs. Therefore, cut out designs backwards, especially when using letters.
Typical contact paper is usually at most 2 mils thick. But a sandblaster will rip right through that. You need to get at least 4 mils piece to guarantee a precise etching product.




Seulbi Lee