Etching (glass)
Encyclopedia
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Etching refers to the technique of creating art on the surface of glass by applying acidic, caustic, or abrasive substances. Traditionally this was done after the glass was blown or cast.
In the 1920s a new mould-etch process was invented, in which art was etched directly into the mould, so that each cast piece emerged from the mould with the image already on the surface of the glass. This reduced manufacturing costs and, combined with a wider use of colored glass, led to cheap glassware in the 1930s, which later became known as Depression glass. As the types of acids used in this process are extremely hazardous, abrasive methods have gained popularity.
Typically, "glass etching cream" available from art supply stores consists of fluoride
compounds, such as sodium fluoride
and hydrogen fluoride
(very dangerous). The fluoridation of the glass (which is a network covalent solid of silicon dioxide
molecules) causes the characteristic rough, translucent qualities of frosted glass.
Abrasive sandblasting is also a common technique for creating patterns in glassware, creating a "frosted" look to the glass. High pressure air mixed with an abrasive material cuts away at the glass surface to create the effect. The longer the stream of air and abrasive material are focused in one spot, the deeper the cut will be. Sandblasting is often used for removing unwanted items that have stuck to the glass or as a decorative purpose on gifted and personal items.
Leptat glass is glass
that has been etch
ed using the Leptat acid process. Etched glass has served a unique purpose for hundreds of years, transmitting natural light as clear glass does, while providing a work of art that screens one area from another. Unlike the more typical frosted etch that is produced by an abrasive etching technique, Leptat creates a deeply etched, crystalline surface of varied textures.
Leptat takes its name from the Czech word meaning "to etch", because the technique was inspired by a Czechoslovakian glass exhibit viewed at a past World’s Fair in Osaka, Japan, and patented in the US by Bernard E. Gruenke, Jr. of the Conrad Schmitt Studios
. Abstract, figural, contemporary and traditional designs have been executed in Leptat glass. A secondary design or pattern is sometimes etched more lightly into the negative areas, for further interest. Gold leaf or colored enamels also can be inlaid to highlight the designs. The Leptat technique allows the glass to reflect light from many surfaces, like a jewel-cut gem.
Glass etching can also be done using hydrofluorosilic acid (H2F6Si).
Etching refers to the technique of creating art on the surface of glass by applying acidic, caustic, or abrasive substances. Traditionally this was done after the glass was blown or cast.
Techniques
Typically, "glass etching cream" available from art supply stores consists of fluoride
Fluoride
Fluoride is the anion F−, the reduced form of fluorine when as an ion and when bonded to another element. Both organofluorine compounds and inorganic fluorine containing compounds are called fluorides. Fluoride, like other halides, is a monovalent ion . Its compounds often have properties that are...
compounds, such as sodium fluoride
Sodium fluoride
Sodium fluoride is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula NaF. A colorless solid, it is a source of the fluoride ion in diverse applications. Sodium fluoride is less expensive and less hygroscopic than the related salt potassium fluoride....
and hydrogen fluoride
Hydrogen fluoride
Hydrogen fluoride is a chemical compound with the formula HF. This colorless gas is the principal industrial source of fluorine, often in the aqueous form as hydrofluoric acid, and thus is the precursor to many important compounds including pharmaceuticals and polymers . HF is widely used in the...
(very dangerous). The fluoridation of the glass (which is a network covalent solid of silicon dioxide
Silicon dioxide
The chemical compound silicon dioxide, also known as silica , is an oxide of silicon with the chemical formula '. It has been known for its hardness since antiquity...
molecules) causes the characteristic rough, translucent qualities of frosted glass.
Abrasive sandblasting is also a common technique for creating patterns in glassware, creating a "frosted" look to the glass. High pressure air mixed with an abrasive material cuts away at the glass surface to create the effect. The longer the stream of air and abrasive material are focused in one spot, the deeper the cut will be. Sandblasting is often used for removing unwanted items that have stuck to the glass or as a decorative purpose on gifted and personal items.
Leptat glass is glass
Glass
Glass is an amorphous solid material. Glasses are typically brittle and optically transparent.The most familiar type of glass, used for centuries in windows and drinking vessels, is soda-lime glass, composed of about 75% silica plus Na2O, CaO, and several minor additives...
that has been etch
Etch
Etch may refer to:*Etch : an open source, cross-platform, multi-language framework for building network services released by Cisco Systems into the Apache Software Foundation*Etch, a character from the film Toy Story, based on the Etch A Sketch...
ed using the Leptat acid process. Etched glass has served a unique purpose for hundreds of years, transmitting natural light as clear glass does, while providing a work of art that screens one area from another. Unlike the more typical frosted etch that is produced by an abrasive etching technique, Leptat creates a deeply etched, crystalline surface of varied textures.
Leptat takes its name from the Czech word meaning "to etch", because the technique was inspired by a Czechoslovakian glass exhibit viewed at a past World’s Fair in Osaka, Japan, and patented in the US by Bernard E. Gruenke, Jr. of the Conrad Schmitt Studios
Conrad Schmitt Studios
Conrad Schmitt Studios is an architectural arts studio located in New Berlin, Wisconsin. It provides ecclesiastical art, stained glass artistry, art glass, decorative painting, mosaics, murals and sculptural arts. The studio specializes in restoration services for buildings of architectural,...
. Abstract, figural, contemporary and traditional designs have been executed in Leptat glass. A secondary design or pattern is sometimes etched more lightly into the negative areas, for further interest. Gold leaf or colored enamels also can be inlaid to highlight the designs. The Leptat technique allows the glass to reflect light from many surfaces, like a jewel-cut gem.
Glass etching can also be done using hydrofluorosilic acid (H2F6Si).