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Glass Etching with RISO & PRINT GOCCO systems

Using Etchall Etching Cream and PRINT GOCCO Print Masters it is possible to decorate vases, glasses, bottles, plates, window and door panes, lamp and mirror panels, mobiles, picture frames, shower doors, room dividers, coffee table tops, etc. As with other PRINT GOCCO applications, the craft of glass etching requires above all imagination and the desire to experiment with different effects.

Important Note

Etchall etching cream is NOT available directly from NEHOC or our supplies as this is a corrosive acid and can only be freighted using Dangerous goods couriers. To order you must go direct to www.etchall.com

Setting Up

The etching cream is best used through the finer mesh of the PRINT GOCCO Print Masters [200Mesh]. Is is best to start with either the PG-5 Basic Set [S-867] or the PG-11 Kit [S-425] as these contain the machine for imaging and Print Masters. You must simply add a small 110mm Long Life squeegee [S-511] and the etching cream.

Safety Instructions

Etchall Etching Cream is acid-free and therefore much safer to use than other types of etching paste. However, as when using any household chemical, it is essential that the Safety Instructions be followed carefully. Avoid breathing the vapor and avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Always work near a water source, and make sure the area is well ventilated. Be familiar with First Aid procedures, as indicated on the bottle, in case of accident. Keep the paste out of reach of children and pets.

Using Etchall Etching Cream

Etchall is best used with B6 or B5 Hi-Mesh Masters. It is important to have a well-cut screen, so if your art work is a photocopy clean it up with Clean Up Paper and an iron. Flash in the usual way, then remove the mesh from the cardboard frame.

The Cream will begin to work as soon as it touches the glass, so it is difficult to correct mistakes. It is therefore advisable to practice on inexpensive items before attempting to work on anything valuable. [Jam jar glasses are a good starting point!] Some types of oven glass and expensive crystal may have a protective coating on the surface which could resist the etching process, so test first.

Clean glass or mirror to remove all grease, dust and fingerprints. Use methylated spirits or a commercial glass cleaner. Dry thoroughly with lint-free paper or cloth.

Attach the mesh to the surface to be etched using masking tape. It is very important that the mesh is held tightly against the surface and is completely flat. If it is too loose the etch will run under the edges of the design and ruin the effect.

Apply the Etchall Cream gently with a brush or squeegee, being sure to cover the whole image area very thickly and evenly. Do not press too hard or the etch will be forced under the mesh and blur the edges of the design. Be very careful not to allow the Cream to come into contact with any other parts of the surface.

Leave the Cream on the glass for about 10-15 minutes. At the end of this time carefully scoop up the Cream and return it to the bottle to be re-used. [The fact that Etchall Etching Cream can be re-used makes it very economical.] Wash the item thoroughly under running water until all the remaining Cream has been removed. While still holding the item under the water, carefully remove the mesh. Dry and polish the glass with a soft cloth.

If the design is small, several images can be flashed on the same screen and cut to size, leaving an even border around the image. Each screen can be washed clean, dried and re-used several times.

Finishing

To make the design stand out a little more, wipe a small amount of white enamel house paint into it and polish off with a soft cloth. If some parts of the design have not etched properly, or if you wish to add a little more body to the design, it is possible to use a fine paint brush to "paint" some more Etchall over selected areas. It is also possible to add colour by painting with glass paints such as Porcelaine 150.

Problems printing?? Read our Q & A on this applications