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. |
