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Etched Glass

Etched Glass: A Touch of Elegance on Windows and Doors

Glass etching has been around for centuries. It is a technique of creating designs or art on glass surfaces by using acidic, corrosive, and abrasive materials. In the 1650's, diamond point engraving was used on mirrors to achieve the etched designs.  Then, copper wheel engraving (an established technique in Holland and Germany) became popular where the glass is cut with a copper wheel or disk, rotated in a lathe (or shaping machine), whose edge is loaded with abrasive powder suspended in oil. In the 1920's, a mold-etch process was invented in which the designs were etched in the mold so the art was directly transferred to the glass surface.

These days, companies like Deco Window Films found a simpler and quicker way to design glass with the classic etched designs by recreating art on vinyl film that can be easily installed, removed, and reused.

Windows

Windows are a commonplace that many hardly give them more than a passing glance. They are there for a functional purpose like letting the light in during the day and they also serve as a way for you to see the world outside. Windows do all that and more but that does not mean they cannot be used to make a simple part of your house look elegant. Etched glass window film is the answer. Transform windows into works of art with designs that range from floral, traditional, geometric, contemporary, and others. You may also choose films to cover your windows fully or partially depending on your preference. You can also choose designs to decorate the center, corners, and borders of the windows.

Doors

There are times when even doors work more than just thresholds to and from the house. Many homes have glass doors to make rooms more spacious or to let the light in. You can achieve both without sacrificing style. Use etched glass films to bring ordinary glass doors to a new level of elegance. There are unique designs like banana leaves and palm fronds that can make you feel as if you are in the tropics.

Other Purposes

Etched glass window films are not for windows and doors alone. You can actually apply on it on any smooth and nonporous surface such as Lexan plastics (a trademark for a brand of polycarbonate resin thermoplastic) and plexi-glass. This means you can put the etched glass films on tables, mirrors and shower doors to give them an instant facelift.

The border and corner designs are great for mirrors while the center designs are perfect for glass dining tables that do not need extra decorations to make them look more festive. Moisture will not affect the etched film so you can use it to adorn the glass outside your shower stalls. The film also gives you additional privacy.

Window films—whether etched glass, frosted window film, or some other type—are wonderful innovations to make the glass surfaces in your house look extraordinary. The best thing about the etched glass window film is that it is a more affordable alternative to making your windows, doors and other glass furniture look elegant and refined.

 

About the Author

Randall Freedman is an interior designer specialized in affordable home improvements ideas. Through his articles, he gives practical tips on choosing the right etched glass window film and frosted window film.

 

Is there a difference between etched glass and engraved glass?

Etched glass is achieved by either spraying or painting an acidic based substance on the glass with areas masked off. Another etching technique is sandblasting. You can create halftones, degrees of whiteness or shading more easily with etching. Overall, it is a better choice if you have large areas of glass to be covered.

Engraved glass is carved with an engraving tool therefore it is line based.

So, if you wanted your glass to looks snowy all over with polar bears dancing you would etch it (or sand blast it). Traditionally if you wanted to add a monogram, or a dedication, you would engrave it. That isn't to say one method is for type and one is for pictures, as you could do a logo or company name with etching, and you could have palm trees etched into glass.

How to Etch Glass : Removing Tape From Etched Glass Project

Tags: art, diy, etched, etched glass decals, etched glass designs, etched glass gifts, etched glass window film, etched glassware, etching, glass

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 at 4:59 am and is filed under sterling silver. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.