Your Guide to Glass Etching with a Cricut

Cricut glass etching is actually a super easy project. I feel like many people get intimidated at the thought of this craft so they just skip it. So, today we are going to cover how to etch glass and use your Cricut machine to make the stencils for etching. There are so many great projects that you can make with this technique so be sure to stock up on glass blanks as you will need them!

Also, if you already know how to etch glass with your Cricut, but want to learn how to color, check out our How to Color Glass Etching in Minutes blog post!

Table of Contents

Cricut Glass Etching Video Tutorial

You can actually watch the entire process in the video below. I explain everything you need to do along with tips and tricks for success.

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Can’t watch the video or missed some of the steps? I also have the entire process below!

Cricut Glass Etching

Etching glass with your Cricut has never been easier!

Today I will be making some vinegar and olive oil bottles but you could make items for your kitchen, bathroom, or even your craft room! If you are looking for more ideas, make sure you scroll down to the bottom of this post where I share wine glasses, spice jars, and more!

Supplies Needed For Cricut Glass Etching

Armour Etch glass etching cream
Cricut Permanent Vinyl (be sure to get the permanent version) (this is used for masking so the color does not matter)
Cricut machine (any will work for this)
Transfer tape
Gloves
Rubbing alcohol
Glass surfaces (all of the ones shown are from Michaels)
Weeding tools
Scraper
Paintbrush
Scissors
Water
Cut file (you can get the designs I made here)
Masking tape

How To Etch Glass With A Cricut

Step 1: Cut Your Design From Vinyl

Take your vinyl and cut it to size to fit onto a Cricut mat with scissors. Lay this piece face up on the mat. Cut your design using the vinyl setting. You can see more about working with vinyl on your Cricut here.

Step 2: Remove The Vinyl Where The Etching Cream Will Go

Then you are going to do almost the opposite of what you would normally do. So normally, you would remove everything and then apply a vinyl label. But in this case, we want to remove everywhere where we want etching cream to go. In this case, I removed the box around my letters and left the letters inside. The letters will end up being clear and the box etched. You also want to remove things like the centers of the letters.

Step 3: Add Vinyl To Glass Bottles

Now it’s time to put the masks onto the bottles. I recommend wearing gloves for this portion as well because the oils from your hands can affect the etching cream.

First, be sure to clean the glass well with rubbing alcohol. Allow to dry completely, and then continue. Apply the vinyl with transfer tape right to your glass and use a scraper to remove any bubbles. You should also add some masking tape around the outer edge just to make sure the etching cream does not get on that portion of the glass.

Step 4: Add Armour Etch

Apply the Armour Etch with a paintbrush. Again wear gloves for this step. You want to dab it on in a thick coat. Be sure to cover the area completely. You also want to brush in all four directions to help ensure that you have pushed the etching cream into all areas.

Step 5: Set Timer And Remove Armour Etch

Then set a timer for five minutes and allow your project to sit. Come back, rinse it off with some water, remove the stencil, and your project is complete!

And that is how you etch glass! It is actually a super easy project, and it only takes a few minutes, and you get to make this amazing decor for your home, or for a gift, all within a couple of minutes.

But I could not stop with just the vinegar and olive oil bottles. This is so easy to do that I just kept going. I made several things in a super short time. All of these designs, by the way, are in the cut file linked above. You can pick which you want to make, like these cute wine glasses!

And you might also want to make some spice jars. Actually, I made a couple of different versions. These smaller ones are for individual spices.

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution for your spice jars, this is definitely it. Then, I made some larger mason jars that actually are for my spice rubs and spice seasoning mixes. These would also be great even larger for your canisters on your kitchen counter.

So, just about any glass that you can think of, you can actually etch it with permanent designs. Then you can make something simply amazing for your home or to give as gifts!

I hope you will grab your Cricut and try some glass etching. You are going to love what you can create!

FAQs About Cricut Glass Etching

If you have questions about Cricut glass etching, I have answers for you! Please leave your question for me in the comments if you don’t see it already answered below.

What Type Of Glass Do I Need For This Project?

When making this project, I recommend using a soft glass. This is because a harder glass (like a Pyrex dish) might not etch correctly.

You can always test your glass by adding a small amount of etching cream to the bottom of your glass (where someone won’t notice) and see if it’s etched correctly.

Can I Use Removable Vinyl For This Project?

No, you need to use Permanent Vinyl for this project to come out correctly. This is because Removable Vinyl will not create a strong enough seal around the edges of the design you are etching.

Why Are You Wearing Gloves While Working With The Vinyl?

The oils from your hands can actually make the etching cream not work very well. Due to that, I use gloves to make sure I don’t get any of those oils on the vinyl or on the glass.

Why Did You Let Your Etching Cream Sit And Did Not Move It Around Constantly For The Time Allotted?

I usually don’t stir again but I have seen people stir at like the mid-way mark so around 2 1/2 minutes. But I don’t stir constantly.

Can You Tell Me Why My Etching Has Lighter Spots Sometimes?

I would try pushing it around more to make sure you get all of the air bubbles out. Then maybe let it sit longer than recommended on the bottle.

Did You Do The Wine Glasses The Same Or Did You Remove The Letters And Then Etch?

I removed the letters on that one. In any case, remove what you WANT TO BE etched.

Can I Use This Technique On Other Projects?

Yes, you can! This technique would work on all types of glass surfaces. For example, glass plates, wine bottles, vases, and more!

Do You Have Any Other Quick Tips For Etching Glass?

Absolutely! To make sure your project comes out successfully, I would do or use the following items when etching your glass.

Clean your glass using rubbing alcohol and not glass cleaner.
Shake the Armour Etch bottle before using it
Use a paintbrush (not a foam brush) when applying the etching cream to your project
Smooth your stencil down to make sure there is a ”tight seal” between it and the glass. – This is because you don’t want any etching cream to go under your design.