Favorite Etching Medium???

[Lea Zinke]

I'm doing a project involving etching -- have liquid Etch-all which is fine for dipping beads but what's everyone's favorite, best-results CREAM??? Any thoughts welcome...

Thanks,
Lea

[Carlabeads]

I use liquid Etch-All, but would love to get some of the stuff that Kate Fowle-Melaney uses... she told me what it was and now I can't remember the name of it. It makes the beads a really nice satiny finish, and she says she only dips the beads in it for like 5 seconds. I believe it is some sort of fluid used for cars - ??? Does anyone know what i'm talking about? lol!

[Lorraine Chandler]

I use the liquid from Michaels crafts store. It works great if you follow the directions. It takes me about 5 full minutes to slowly stir up all of the thick stuff in the bottom into the brown liquid on top. Then it is a mucky looking grey color.

I put all of the beads in a plastic cup and etch for about a minute to a minute and a half. Turning a few times during the etching process.

All of my beads are satiny smooth to the touch and to the eye and never pitted or rough.

Lorraine

[melzip]

Lorraine,

It sounds like you use Etch-all. That's what I have from Michael's too. Do you buy the big bottle? I notice our Michael's doesn't seem to carry that size anymore. It's great to buy when you have a 50% off coupon.

I wondered why all that stuff settles at the bottom of the bottle. Are you supposed to mix it back up? It's muddy looking too. Oh, and I soak my beads for at least 5 minutes for a good matte finish.

[LauraLou]

I've wondered if the stuff that is settling at the bottom is the part of the glass that has been etched off. HMMMM... I am trying to figure out how to etch without getting that solution on my hands! I wear vinyl gloves, rinse my hands really well, then wash them with soap and water. Still, everytime I etch beads, my fingertips have reddened areas that I think are chemical burns.
Laura

[melzip]

Laura, that is the same thing I wondered. I figured we were dumping the etched glass back into the container and that it probably didn't do the mixture any good. That's why I didn't scrape it off the bottom. Hm, any etching people know the answer?

I know Naos is an etch queen, I wonder if she knows.

[LauraLou]

Melissa, I think the bottle says it can be re-used. I guess when it gets too dark, then it's time to replace it?

[melzip]

Yes, and I always pour it back in the jug after i'm done etching. That's why I figured it was etched glass particles settling at the bottom.

I've had mine probably over 2 years. How about you?

[LauraLou]

I've had mine maybe 6 months. Mine is brown now. I don't have thick gunk at the bottom, I guess I have that to look forward to, LOL. Sounds real appetizing! Guess this stuff will last a long time!
Laura

[melzip]

Yes, it does last, that's for sure!

[Cherine Perrin]

I use Etch-All liquid but am also interested in what Kate Fowle-Melany uses too. Her beads have a smoother look to them than others I've seen.

[Lea Zinke]

Had email from Kate yesterday, she uses "...an etchant from HIS Glass in Asheville, NC..." She said it is a liquid etching solution.

BTW, I just bought brand-new bottle of Etch-all (liquid version) from Michael's and it has a huge layer of gunk at the bottom as well. Takes 5 minutes of stirring with large ss mandrel, then shaking, to get it mixed. But, you're right, the large bottle lasts for years & years. The cream uses up faster because you waste a lot coating the piece.

FYI,
Lea

[LyndaJ]

Is there a web address?

[2xMI]

Try www.hisglassworks.com and look under etching.

[melzip]

I wonder if this is it... you'd have to add water to the powder. I also wonder if it lasts long too.

[firedancer]

Etching Solution. Did anybody try this etching powder, http://www.hisglassworks.com/cart/ca...t_detail&p=108 and how were your results? I have never etched before, and have been searching the forum for info. I read about etching crystals, etc. Confused now, about what to buy. Some say Naos, is the etching queen, wonder what she uses. And the best way to do the etching process.

[ewdb]

i use the liquid etch stuff from Michaels (with apron, heavy duty latex gloves, safety glasses and dedicated containers) and rarely leave the beads in more than a couple minutes. some just need a few seconds to knock off the gloss.

once etched, to get that super smooth finish i then rub on a microcrystalline wax (e.g. Renaissance). the effect is a beautiful dull satin finish that really shows off the bead colours without that powdery effect etched beads can sometimes develop.

[karin]

Would love to hear from someone who has used the powder (turn to liquid) or the cream from HIS - and which is better. I have tried Armour from Michaels, both the liquid and the cream, and neither has done a thing to any glass I have put it on - and left it for 5-10 minutes. Lots of money wasted, even with a coupon. I would have uses for both the cream and the liquid, but since they don't have small bottles at HIS, I don't want to spend yet another $70 or so to get them if they aren't going to work either....

[deirdreschaneman]

I use the cream etch from Michaels and it works great.

Karyn, not all glass will etch. The silver glasses in particular are resistant to etching. Learned that the hard way!

[claybraes]

I like the etch-all cream the best

[firedancer]

Well, heck, maybe I should have started a new thread, with a vote involved? I am still confused about crystals, powder, the expensive stuff from Michales? I still do not know what to buy, especially when I hear it costs so much. And I have never etched before. I have read within the forums, about all the problems with etching. As a newbie, Gosh 70 Dollars for a bottle of solution? Let me start over, has anybody used this, powder, and it seems affordable, and it has been recommended thru the forums, from previous posts, I just do not know? http://www.hisglassworks.com/cart/ca...t_detail&p=108

[AlivELampworK]

i'm not familiar with the etching solutions from hisglassworks, but i know from experience, they sell GREAT products that they stand by.

[firedancer]

ok Ali, that is a big statement, as suppliers, that you can depend on, mean a Heck of a lot. Thank you.

[papimom]

I bought the Vari-Etch from HIS 2 years ago. Used it ever since. Great stuff, but not for the uninitiated.
This is really powerful, etches quickly. Anything that comes into contact with it needs to be neutralized with a concentrated solution of baking soda.
Big Caveat: Use only in well ventilated areas and wear a respirator.
Joan

[Lisi]

Etching crystals from Arrow Springs that you mix with water. Best I've used yet.

[firedancer]

Do you have a link for the Etching crystals, I only see cream, and liquid over at Arrow Springs.

[firedancer]

ok Popimom, thanks for the info, kinda scares me now

[dawnmarie4771]

Originally Posted by ewdb

once etched, to get that super smooth finish i then rub on a microcrystalline wax (e.g. Renaissance). the effect is a beautiful dull satin finish that really shows off the bead colours without that powdery effect etched beads can sometimes develop.

Hmm, what is microcrystalline wax - I have never heard of it. The efect you speak of sounds wonderful. I, too, have problems with chalky residue.

[papimom]

Neutralizing with baking soda before cleaning with soap and water with an old toothbrush keeps that powdery effect down.
Renaissance Wax is very nice, use sparingly. It goes a long way.
Joan

[firedancer]

yes, I have at least leaned that tru this old thread. Thanks for being that up again Joan.