You can make custom stencils out of contact paper/vinyl
masking as follows:
- Clean the glass mirror thoroughly.
- Cover the glass completely with the contact paper/vinyl, wrapping
it around the edges.
- Draw or trace the design onto the surface of the vinyl.
- Use a hobby knife/art knife to cut out the areas of the design you
want to etch, then peel & remove these pieces.
You can then etch as you would with the precut stencils. Unfortunately,
you would need to repeat this process for as many as you needed. With
a computer a laser printer, there is a way to make custom stencils.
A laser printer can be used in the etching process. If you are interested
in pursuing this area, you may want to look in "Flash" magazine, a desktop
printing journal, November 1993 edition. There is an article (starts on
page 52) in there that details the process really well. Below is a summary
of etching using your laser printer: The process involves using a laser
printer to print the design in reverse on a release paper. Tape the paper
to the glass & heat it (3-5 minutes at 300 Fahrenheit). This remelts the
toner so it sticks to the glass. Rub the back of the paper to help the
toner stick on the glass and then peel off the paper. If all the toner
has not stuck to the glass, you can take another copy of the design &
place it over the first and repeat the heating process again. For
many transfers you will have to do it twice. Next, apply the Amour Etch
glass etching cream. Wash off the cream & toner. Avery label backing paper
can be used as a release paper for transferring the etching mask to the
glass. Just peel off the labels or save your backing papers when you use
labels. Release paper can also be purchased. |
