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Starting Your Own Glass Etching
Business
Glass etching is the application of lettering, monograms or designs on
glass. this little known business can be started in a garage or shop and
work into something really lucrative. Glass
etching is accomplished by covering the glass with a pattern, then, with
the aid of a special machine, blowing "sand" against the surface.
Wherever the glass is not protected, it becomes "etched" as the sand
repeatedly strikes and "pits" the surface. This procedure contrasts with
the old metal etching techniques where the surface
was covered with wax or resin, a design scratched into it and the
material immersed into acid.
Examples of etched glass products are monogrammed glassware, key chains,
lettered windows, designed mirrors and numbers or letters
applied as identification marks.
Most glass etching today is by the sandblasting method. Two other
methods, acid cream and engraving will also be discussed.
In the sandblasting method, a special type of sand
is held in a funnel-like holder where a blast of air is forced through
it creates a miniature sandstorm.
It works something like a bingo machine. The area
to be etched is covered with a stencil made of a material like masking
tape in which the design has been cut out.
When the sand if blown against the piece, the masking tape protects
areas that are to stay
smooth and allows the sand to pit the glass through the stencil
openings. When the stencil is removed the etched design remains.
You can buy ready-made etching stencil designs
and letter stencils or cut out your own. Gift and hardware stores are
prospective wholesale customers for the etched glassware.
A sandblasting machine, some glass, a stencil and
a good working area plus some practice is what you need to get started.
The equipment should not be set up inside the house because there is
usually a good deal of dust. Unless you are familiar with sandblasting,
contact several suppliers to get the best deal equipment and supplies.
Then, try your hand at etching some
inexpensive items until you learn to produce quality products.
Save some of your better pieces for samples, some of which can be given
to retailers if you do wholesale work.
Another form of glass etching is actually engraving -- where the
operator imprints the pattern or design on glass with a high speed drill
and a fine, hardened steel bit.
The drill can either be used freehand, with the aid
of a stencil guide, or to trace over an applied design. The latter
technique intricate designs, which can be
quite ornate when the engraver has artistic talents.
The glass etching technique is becoming popular in the auto industry,
where designs are etched into
the glass to beautify and individualize.
One very promising use is engraving the engine or frame number or
owner's driver license number on both the front and back windshields as
a police identification tool.
Thieves don't like to steal these vehicles because they must replace the
glass! This operation alone may become a good business in some areas.
One company (Paragrave -- see Business Sources) has developed a rotary
drill based on dentist equipment
that is specifically designed for this application.
Acid etching is the old fashioned way and is now considered more of an
artist's medium -- even though it can be used for virtually any
application.
It is generally slower and a little more
dangerous because of the corrosive chemicals.
Generally, the glass surface is covered with wax or resin and the design
traced or scratched on with a stylus. The procedure is a little like
carving a linoleum block. Once the design is finished,
creamed (to prevent running) acid is applied and
left for the prescribed time.
When ready, the acid is wiped off (carefully, to avoid damage to the
rest of the design surrounding or applicator). Even though acid etching
has disadvantages, it can produce striking results
in detail and very interesting effects.
Most custom glass etching is priced on a letter or design basis -- how
many and what size letters are to be applied, plus the number of pieces.
Whether the letter is sandblasted, engraved, or acidized, it takes more
time and materials to do big letter than a small.
In a shop you would have a few samples of available alphabets and logos,
plus catalogs of additional patterns that could be would of course, be
extra whether you made them or special ordered them from companies that
support the industry.
It is also possible (smart, too!) to make up items to sell. These can be
done in your spare time at first when you have time between custom jobs
and wholesale orders.
Shop around for ordinary items like mirrors, drinking glasses and door
windows and inscribe interesting designs on them -- like the school or
town logo, or something of local interest.
You will soon learn to be on the lookout for both
new ideas of that you can decorate. In Texas, a rearview mirror with a
small armadillo might sell; in
Missouri, try a kicking mule on a glass goblet ( you get the idea)!
Once you have learned the techniques, you might work with a store or two
to produce custom etched glassware. This would help practice, yet not
require you to do a perfect job on a $100 glass vase.
When you feel you are ready, place ads to etch, monogram or apply
designs to fine glassware --
both new and pieces already owned. Use your imagination in your ads.
Give potential customers
something to think about. Have monthly specials: your license number on
front and back windshields - $29.95 this month; a small logo on
eyeglasses for
$5 and up next month.
These specials will illustrate the various types of work you can do and
perhaps stimulate potential customers to think of something they would
like to have etched. Other areas to mention in specials might be holiday
motifs, family coats of arms,
company logos, etc.
In addition to being careful about dust and acid (if you use that
medium), be especially careful to get the correct wording on the ticket
and on the glass. A mistake on either means you have just etched a piece
of junk.
On phone orders, repeat the copy back slowly and use phonetics for any
possible mistakes.
On written orders have the customer check and initial the desired copy.
You will certainly have to "eat" some mistakes -- but glass is not good
for
you, so try to hold them to a minimum! |
Disclaimer: The information contained
in our Free Articles Library is for your information only!.. It is
always advisable to consult with an attorney or
other appropriate professional before you take
action on any business opportunity or ideas!
Please check out information before acting on it!
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