Using Sandblasting Equipment For
Glass Etching
Abrasive Etching Glass etching incorporates the use of abrasive sandblasting to sculpt beautiful designs and patterns within the target surface. The created design tends to look ‘frosted’ and sharply detailed. Sandblast etching is a popular form of glass etching because of its versatility in operation and design.
Of course, before beginning your glass etching, it is crucial to investigate the required equipment to achieve such beautiful and elegant designs in a safe manner.
Material Basic materials for glass etching include resists and abrasives. There are many types of resists, each specific to the type of application you aim for. Hand cut resists give you much more control and freedom with your design, though if you decide to hand cut your own, a rubber blasting resist or selfadhesive resist are best when working with glass. Photo resists, or pre-cut resists, are a popular option as well. These usually include pre-designed stencil images, usually heavily detailed and perfect for practical use.
P r o t e c t i v e We a r Breathing Filter
Utilizing protective wear is essential with abrasive etching. The use of both Sandblasting Helmet machinery and high pressure air can expose you to safety hazards involving debris and other potentially harmful particulates in the air.
Since the dust and fine particles of sandblasting are practically unseen, it is important to protect your eyes and skin at all times while operating sandblasting equipment.
Air Supply Hose
Utilizing a blast room can expose you to concentrated amounts of dust and debris. A separate air supplied hood with a breathing air pump would be the best way to safeguard your lungs.
Air Compressor Compressors come in a variety of pressure ratings. Depending on your application, you may observe an air compressor’s horsepower to determine its function. Knowing the air output between smaller consumer compressors and industrial grade compressors is important. Commercial grade compressors and industrial compressors can share the same horsepower rating, yet output drastically differing amounts of air. Choose a compressor that outputs at least 2-3 times the volume of air required by your blaster.
Sandblaster There are two types of blasters: siphon blasters and pressure blasters. Where siphon blasters have a lower price range in comparison to pressure blasters, siphon blasters generally lack in usability. Pressure blasters are in a higher price range, yet perform in a more controlled manner and are overall faster and easier to use. Pressure blasters are generally more suitable for glass etching. The amount of compressed air used by pressure blasters are also less strenuous on your compressor, allowing you to use smaller compressors, if needed.
Ceramic Sand Blast Cabinet Gun
Blasting Cabinet Blasting cabinets are available in a variety of sizes and configurations. Taller and wider blasting cabinets are usually best for abrasive glass etching. The ability to fit larger pieces of glass through the cabinet is dependent on the design of the cabinet. Some blasting cabinets are designed especially for larger pieces of glass than others. Though they may be more expensive, it is convenient for allowing more varied sizes of glass. Investing in a blasting cabinet which features incandescent lighting is better than fluorescent lighting for glass etching. In addition, the inclusion of a dust collector is important to maintain lower dust levels.
Blast Rooms Blast rooms are normally used for larger scale, heavy-duty operations. Blast rooms also come in many variations, yet are mostly intended for industrial use. Since enclosed blast rooms require a large amount of space for installation, an adequately proportional dust collector must be sizable to provide clean, breathable air. Blast rooms also allow for a range of added components and floor designs to secure and streamline your workflow. Wearing protective gear within a blast room is absolutely crucial.
Te c h n i q u e s Surface etching is done within one stage of blasting, and the design incorporates two elements, black and white or negative and positive images. Surface etching is usually recognized by silhouette shapes and designs. Carving is a more in-depth technique used in glass etching. Carving incorporates a blasting technique deep into the glass, leaving a mesmerizing three dimensional design. The varied blasting depths give the realistic visual separation between elements. Shading, similar to surface etching, focuses on the surface of the glass. Shading utilizes shades of gray rather than the solid white color seen in surface etching. Shading is flexible between multi-stage and freehand blasting techniques.
About Us Big A’s Place is your one-stop shop for sandblasting cabinets, parts, and portable sandblasting equipment. We are the direct distributor and aftermarket supplier for some of the top brands and equipment in the world. We are a primary distributor for Pirate Brand portable blasting systems and accessories. For protective and safety products, we mainly distribute RPB. You can find all of your sandblasting supply needs at Big A’s Place. Contact us at www.sandblaster-parts.com for more information.
Summary Curious about what it takes to create etched glass? Here’s what you need to know about glass etching and the sandblasting equipment needed to do it.