Instructions

STEP 1: CRICUT DESIGN SPACE FILE

Upload an SVG, or create a cut file, in Cricut Design Space. Size the image to fit the object that is to be etched. I typically add a small shape to my file in a different color to use for a test cut. This allows me to be sure I am selecting the correct cut & pressure settings for my material.

If you are following along this tutorial to etch the 2 cup measuring glass, the free SVG file that I created with the 2 cup measurement lines is located in the free resource library.

After you save this SVG file on your device you will have to upload it into Cricut Design Space. You will click the upload cloud, upload image, browse & find your saved file and open it, save it in your uploaded images, and insert it in a new project. It will need to be resized to the dimensions: width=4.325 and height=2.89.

It’s worth a check on your measuring cup what the distance needs to be between the 2 cup & 1/4 cup lines and make sure it corresponds to the design. All cups are not exactly the same size. I first printed it out on paper, by changing the fill to print, to make sure it would line up properly with my existing faded lines.

STEP 2: CUT THE VINYL ON CRICUT

When you are ready to cut, place the adhesive vinyl color side up on the cutting mat and make sure the fine-point blade is installed in the Cricut. I recommend using removable or permanent vinyl for etching glass. I choose removable because I had extra on hand.

First, cut your test shape by clicking the Make It in the upper right-hand corner. You may need to toggle the cutting mats to have the mat with the small shape selected. Do this by clicking on the mat you would like to cut. This will show you what’s about to be cut, you can move the little shape around to cut in a position that will not overlap the final design. Click Continue in the lower right corner, then select your material cut setting for vinyl.

If you have an older blade you may need to select more pressure. This is why I suggest starting with a test cut. Load the mat into the machine and press the flashing Cricut button to start cutting. When it’s done cutting, remove the mat from the machine & make sure the settings used cut all the way through the vinyl, but not through the backing paper. If it looks good repeat the process with the final design.

STEP 3: REVERSE WEED THE DESIGN

Reverse weeding vinyl simply means to remove all of the design that you want etched and leave the outline and extra vinyl. You may need weeding tools for this step but can sometimes get away with using a needle.

STEP 4: APPLY TRANSFER SHEET TO VINYL

If you have a simple image you may not need this step, but for intricate cuts with many pieces, a transfer sheet will help keep intricate cuts in their place and keep the design intact. Cut a piece of the transfer sheet the same size of your design. Remove the backing and place it over the weeded vinyl. Usually, my transfer sheet is rolled up or moves around so I like to place the transfer sheet with backing up on my cutting mat.

This just helps to hold the sticky paper in place so I can just place my weeded design face down on the sticky side of the transfer sheet. Start at the corner and move outwards so that there are no creases or bubbles. I prefer the transfer sheets with a grid to help align the vinyl on its final destination. For a savings note I have found you can reuse transfer sheets many times, so keep the backing for easy storage. Also, a cheap option for a transfer sheet is contact paper. Remove the transfer sheet with the vinyl decal attached and move on to the next step.

STEP 5: APPLY VINYL TO SURFACE TO BE ETCHED

Clean the glass surface you will be etching thoroughly. The best way to do this is with rubbing alcohol. If the object you are applying vinyl to is curved (like a wine glass) you may want to make small cuts around the design in the transfer tape to allow it to bend with the curve of the surface without creasing.

Just be sure to completely cover these cuts with tape when etching. Remove the vinyl backing from the transfer sheet, place it on your object, and smooth out the vinyl. Be sure to smooth out any air bubbles especially those surrounding the cut image. Any wrinkle or bubble will allow the etching cream to leak and this will etch parts of your glass that are not designed to be etched. (It is very easy to make this mistake!)

After the vinyl is applied you will cover all surrounding exposed areas of glass to be sure not to accidentally etch them. And now we are ready to etch glass! (Make sure there are no bubbles, there are no takebacks after this step.)

STEP 6: APPLY ETCHING CREAM TO GLASS

For this step, you should wear personal protective equipment, read and follow all the instructions from the etching cream you are using. Shake the etching cream before opening it, if it has a bunch of crystallized bits in it you made have an old bottle. It should be chunk-free.

Apply a coat of the etching cream over the open parts of your design. You don’t need a ton here and you can even put the excess back in the bottle when you're done to use on another project. A little bit of this cream goes a long way. I have had my little bottle for many projects and still have plenty left.

You want to continuously brush the cream around in all directions making sure to get it in all the tiny corners and small spaces. I brushed mine around for about 5 minutes then rinsed the cream off in the utility sink. You can see my process on the video in the beginning of this tutorial. My design was intricate and I had to brush off the excess etching cream with a cleaning brush so that it wouldn't be spread around in the next step.

STEP 7: REMOVE VINYL

After the etching cream is washed completely off you remove the vinyl and the project is complete. The best part of etched glassware is that it’s dishwasher safe. All my favorite kitchen tools are.

NOTES ON UPDATING OLD PYREX MEASURING CUPS

If you didn’t want to etch the measuring cup glass you could still use the stencil with a sharpie, and after it’s dry remove the stencil and bake it at 350 degrees for 30 mins to seal it. Another option with the stencil (or without if you have a steady hand) is using a paint pen, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions to seal it so that it doesn’t wash off.

If your measuring glass needs some help and you don’t have a cricut, or the time to tediously weed this vinyl, or a steady hand for the sharpie or paint marker, just go ahead and buy a measuring cup with raised markings like this cute one from Target.

I do not recommend using the etching cream on large areas. You can see in this pick of my oversized mason jar that the “B” in the center was a bit too thick and the cream didn’t spread evenly. It looks ok out of the direct sun, but I know it’s not perfect and it bugs me. If I did it again I would have used a thinner font.

Hope you learned someone and enjoyed this tutorial. If you happen to use any of my methods or SVG stencil file send me a pic! I would love to see your work. Now let’s get crafting!