Glass etching cream is a great thing to have around if you are working with enamel. You can use it to get a nice matte finish over the surface of your enamel, or you can use it just like you would on any glass object to make an etched design by painting it on or applying it through a stencil. But where it really comes in handy is if you get a little stray enamel on the metal where you don't want it. As you may have discovered, getting even one grain of enamel where you don't want it can make a nasty black spot on your nice shiny silver. To get rid of it, just apply a layer of etching cream over the spot and let it sit for a while, then rinse off the cream and scrub, and reapply as needed. It will usually take a few applications to get rid of the spot. Keep in mind the glass etching cream is nasty stuff. Wearing gloves is strongly advised and avoid breathing the fumes. I would recommend using cotton swabs to apply the cream so you don't have to worry about cleaning a brush. Make sure you scrub your piece really well with soap when you're done with the etching cream.
3 comments:
Hi am new to enamelling and love your matte finish on the enamels....if I use the glass etching creme would I put it on after I have fired the piece and how long would I leave it on? Would you then sand the piece? Thanking you in anticipation....jenny
For a matte finish, apply the etching creme after firing and cooling and leave it on about 5 minutes. You can always re-apply if it didn't etch enough. If you are sanding to clean up the edges, you can do that before or after etching.
Can't thank you enough for sharing this tip...I just love what you have done with your work. Jenny
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