Color Marking and Glass Laser Engraving
Laser engraver machines with MOPA fiber laser can do vibrant color engraving on metals, especially stainless steel, and sometimes people try brass color engraving, too. With adjustable Q-pulse and frequency, MOPA laser engraver allows users to upgrade their laser engraving works with a "rainbow" effect. For glass laser engraving, or for most people, we can say glass etching. Common laser engraving machines like fiber laser, diode laser and CO2 laser, none of them can directly engrave on glass; only UV laser can directly do glass laser engraving. Laser does not add colors on glass, but oil-based markers can.
Color Etching on Glass
Two ways we can reach the final lines -- laser engraving and laser etching. We will discover the two from their pros and cons.
"Color Laser Engraving" on Glass
As we mentioned before, lasers can't directly mark on glass, you need to put various coatings like dark chalk paint, spray paint, or special marking paper on the surface of glass. Then you can do the common steps of diode laser engraving.
Import laser cut files
This is one of the advantages of laser marking. Any kind of file, easy name patterns or complicated designs, only needs to be imported into your laser engraving software and set the parameters. Take a 20W diode laser as an example, try setting the power to 100%, speed to 300mm/s and 20kHz frequency.
"Color Engraving"
In this step, you need to buy oil-based markers or alcohol inks, and prepare a piece of fine cloth, or old clothes can replace it. You can choose to paint the colors you like with the dark mark on or wipe the dark marks off at first. Some may use 91% alcohol liquid to wipe the dark marks, but it depends on your paints. I mean, if the paint is already firm on the surface, 91% alcohol may help you remove the marks, otherwise, just use the cloth.
- Lasers without any protections are absolutely class 4 lasers. And glass has a transparent and smooth surface, so do not engrave directly on glass.
- Be sure you wear laser safety glasses and close the laser protective cover. Lasers can harm your eyes if you don't do this protection.
Etching Color on Glass
Tools Preparation
We list 7 main things you will need:
- Glass etching cream (Armour Etch recommended)
- Protective gloves are needed, like non-latex gloves
- Oil-based paints or markers
- Stencil paper with designs on
- Painting brush or scraper blade
- Piece of fine cloth, or old clothes
- Glassware you would like to design
Chemical Etching on Glass
Use a rubber scraper card to firmly apply the stencil to the glass surface. Make sure you put it in the right place. And wear the gloves on (important step!glass etching cream is chemical, which may severely burn your skin or leave permanent scars!). Then use a brush to wipe the cream onto the stencil, make sure every designed pattern is covered with the cream. After wiping, wait for 15-20 mins to let the cream etch glass.
Color Etching on Glass
Keep your gloves on and use the scraper to remove the cream and put it back into the bottle. Observe the surface to ensure whether each of your design is etched, and then wash the glassware, with gloves on of course. Then you can do your paint. Use the oil-based markers to paint your patterns. Wipe the excess colors away with a cloth. Finally peel the stencil off, and done! Above are the main steps for etching on glass. While this method is much more affordable than buying a desktop laser engraver, a bottle of glass etching cream is around $25.
(Resource: etchworld.com)
And the process is easy to do without much learning. But we need to mention that the safety level is also low, better wear gloves when using the etching cream.
Other Engraving Methods
There is another method to engrave glass, using an engraving pen. Some craftmen also use this pen as an engraving tool, for it is portable and affordable. You only need such a pen, then you can start your process. And you should have talents in drawing, for the tool can only help you engrave but not design and draw.
(Resource: woodartsupply)
Applications of Color Etching on Glass
Etched glass with colors are suitable for gifts and hosts. Engrave with names, dates, special designs, you can use this skill for home decor, too. Think about window panes, mirrors, or large glass doors—it adds a custom look easily. For business, this is good for branding. Companies use etched logos on their mugs or wine glasses for events. People like receiving unique items like custom tumblers or champagne flutes for weddings, anniversaries, or birthdays.
This method gives you that professional, long-lasting finish. It's better than stickers or cheap paint that just washes off.
Here are some examples where color etching works best:
- Wedding Gifts: Engrave a couple’s initials and wedding date on two champagne flutes, then fill the design with a metallic gold or silver oil-based pen.
- Barware: Create a set of whiskey glasses or beer mugs with different colored stripes or team logos. The etching gives a frosted texture; the color makes it pop.
- Holiday Decor: Etch intricate snowflake or star patterns onto glass ornaments or candle holders. Use bright red or green paint markers to add the color for a seasonal touch.
- Kitchen Items: Personalize glass baking dishes or casserole trays with a family name, making sure they never get lost at a potluck. Fill the name with a dark, bold color.
- Custom Branding: Small businesses can use colored etching to put their logo on sample jars, display bottles, or promotional glassware. It looks high-end.
FAQs for Glass Etching
Q1: What kind of paint for etched glass?
Oil-based paint pens and Enamel-based acrylic paints are recommended for coloring etched glass. They are easy to use and can leave fine and clear color marks on etched glass.
Q2: How long should I leave etching cream on glass?
5 minutes is the minimum time. Less than 5 mins may lead to uneven etching or no etching. 10-20 mins are the best etching time for glass etching. If you leave the cream longer than 30 mins, the etched designs can also be uneven and the stencil may be etched as well.
Q3: Does glass etching wear off?
No. No matter glass etching or glass engraving, the done marks are permanent and can hardly be removed.
Q4: What is the difference between glass engraving and glass etching?
The biggest difference is the engraving tools. Desktop laser engravers vs glass etching cream. While the final results are different, too. For etching patterns, they are more opaque and frosted on the surface, while laser engraving can result in more detailed and precise patterns as well as clearer, more three-dimensional effects.
Q5: Can you polish etching out of glass?
In short, no. Since both etching and engraving involve removing or altering the glass surface itself, the marks are permanent. Attempting to polish or buff the etched area will not restore the original smooth surface; it will likely just make the damaged area larger or more visible, especially if the piece of glassware is a high-gloss item. The only real solution is to live with the design or, unfortunately, replace the glass.
Conclusion
We looked at two ways to add color to etched glass: using your desktop laser engraver or using glass etching cream. The laser is fast and gives you precise details, even photos, but it costs a lot to start. The cream is cheap and easy—you just follow the steps—but safety is important. Both methods make permanent marks on the glass. So, you pick the one that works for your budget and the design you need, then you can start making your own colored glass art.
