Glass
Etching by Matisse
           |
|
|
|
|
Table of Contents
What is etching?"Etching" is the abrading or roughening of a selected area on a piece of glass, marble, granite, tile, or other substrate that produces a desired design on the surface. Two types of etching are acid etching and sandblast etching. For purposes of our application, as for glass etching, we will use the term "etching" to refer specifically to sandblast etching or abrasive etching. Back to TopHow is the etching produced?By directing a high pressure, high speed stream of sand or other abrasive at the surface of the object. As the grains of abrasive hit the selected area to be etched with enough force, an etched effect is produced. When the sandblasting is complete, the areas which were not protected will be etched and the protected areas will remain clear. Back to TopWhat is a custom etch?A custom etch starts with a design consultation about your ideas and the mood you are trying to create. A design is created, application is decided, and the project begins. Back to TopWhen an architectural element such as a door or a window is already installed, does it have to be removed in order for it to be etched?Any architectural element that is already installed does not have to be removed. We come out to the site with the equipment to do what is called an "on-site etch". Back to TopWhat is the difference between etching on the 1st surface vs. the 2nd surface?The difference between these two applications is that when the 1st surface is etched it means the surface of the glass that faces you from the outside is etched. This application is usually recommended when you have tinted glass because there's a good contrast between the etching and the glass surface and you can view it better straight on. When the 2nd surface of the glass is etched (meaning the surface of the glass facing from the inside) then the etching is viewed from the 1st surface (meaning viewing from the outside surface). This application is usually recommended for the etching of clear glass. What is the difference between a "positive etch" and a "reverse etch"?The difference between the two applications is that a "positive etch" is where the design or graphics are etched and the background of the glass remains clear. A "reverse etch" is where the background of the glass is etched and the design or graphics remain clear. Among the different applications in etching glass, the "reverse etch" is usually used when some privacy is needed but where a design or graphics are also incorporated. A "reverse etch" is also known as a "privacy etch". |
