posted
We've been etching glass for about a year now. Don't use sand. First it's too coarse for a nice smooth etch, (did this several times outside) second, indoors it would produce a bunch of toxic free silica inside your shop.
Our blasting media of choice is 150 or 180 grit aluminum oxide or silicon carbide. Silicon carbide costs and lasts about twice as much as aluminum oxide. We tried 220 grit and it was too fine for Rapid Mask by Photobrasive. (A UV exposure blasting film for etching extreme fine detail and even photographs)
To try glass etching you can use regular paint mask vinyl if the letters or graphics are large enough to weed. Itt akes only seconds to frost the glass, slightly longer to carve into the glass.
We run our siphon feed blaster at 90 lbs. A pressure pot for glass etching needs to be run at only 25 to 30 psi. I'm pretty sure that a standard, large, high pressur pot does not work well at low pressure. One model has a locking top so it isn't dependant on the pressure inside the vessel to keep it sealed. Feel free to call me if you need more info.
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5396 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
| IP: Logged |
posted
I don't do a whole lot of etching but when I do, I use a Paasche Air Eraser with fine aluminum oxide. The small gun is great for smaller items and if you want to freehand it like an airbrush, you can. The alum oxide leaves a very fine finish.
I typically run about 30-40 PSI, lower if I have a delicate shape cut from masking or if I just need to be a little more careful on a certain job - higher if I want to blast the glaze off a pottery piece.
-------------------- "If I share all my wisdom I won't have any left for myself."
Mike Pipes stickerpimp.com Lake Havasu, AZ mike@stickerpimp.com Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Wow, thanks for all the replys. It's really appreciated.
I'll just be frosting some type into some jars, so it's pretty easy.
I have a nice pass-through cabinet with a 100# pressure pot. It's been great for doing smaller HDU signs, etc. I just haven't messed around with glass yet
Thanks also to Bob Hines who sent me a separate e-mail on this subject.
Printer-friendly view of this topic