DIY: Etched Mason Jars

     This post took longer than I wanted. I was planning on posting it before leaving for BC, but as always, it got too busy, then I was out of service for over a week! Anyway, Mean Bean and I have been planning a little party for the family in BC, and in an effort to DIY as much of the party as I can, I decided to etch some mason jars with the guests' names. We figured it was a nifty party favor that can also serve as name tags since the little party that was supposed to only be 20-guests-small, ended up being a big backyard party with probably about 70 people (yes, i literally lost count!)

ETCHED MASON JARS

What you'll need:
 - mason jar or any other glass
 - etching cream
 - paint brush
 - precision knife
 - contact paper
 - masking tape
 - cutting mat
 - scissors (optional)

 

     Because I wanted to personalize every single glass with the guests' names, I went the more tedious route of making my own stencils (you can buy ready-made and easy to use stencils from craft stores and even most Wal-Mart craft aisles). For this, I used a small piece of contact paper, a marker and an X-Acto. It's straight forward. Write or draw whatever design you want on the contact paper. 

Then carefully cut the letters or design out with your precision knife as shown on the picture below. Then you will want to remove the pieces you've cut. Just remember: you're only getting rid of the positive space (or parts colored in with the marker). You will need the middle part and holes of the letters!

 

   

Carefully and securely place the stencil. This is optional, but I strongly recommend putting tape around the stencil to make sure that the etching cream doesn't accidentally get on any other parts of the glass.

Next, apply the etching cream. I used Armour Etch, which seems to be a popular brand for glass etching products. You don't really have to apply a very thick layer, it's enough as long as it covers the area you're etching. The way I apply it: Dab on, then do even vertical brush strokes, then horizontal brush strokes. Wait until the cream is dry. I usually wait and let it sit for 5-10 minutes but it doesn't really matter if you leave it on for an extended amount of time.

NOTE: 1) A cheap paint brush is fine!  2) Etching cream has hydrofluoric acid, which is a corrosive! So I'd suggest wearing gloves (Although I didn't because I'm stubborn).

Once it has dried, wash the cream off with water. I personally prefer warm water, but it doesn't really matter. Then, peel the stencil and tape off. Do NOT panic, if at first you don't see the etching! It's often difficult to see when it's wet.

Ta-Da! The etched mason jar.

OTHER NOTES:

- Armour Etch is available in most craft stores. It's also available in most Wal-Mart Stores in the US but not in Canada. If you plan to order it online, contact the seller and make sure they can ship it to your country (especially if it's from an international seller), some countries require a different label because it is a corrosive.
- For this project, I used contact paper. It's cheap and available in most office supply stores and home improvement stores. Mean Bean's grandma said it's very similar to the stuff used to line drawers. However, if you can't get contact paper, you can easily substitute it with masking tape.
- Oh and most instructions would tell you to clean the glass surface thoroughly before etching, because fingerprints and oils can prohibit the glass from etching properly. I skipped that step because the jars I used have never been used before. So if you're using an older piece of glass, you might want to clean the surface first. Most labels will suggest using alcohol.


Happy Glass Etching!