Engraving glass is a useful art that has been around for many years. It is one of the best ways of creating unique and permanent patterns on items made from glass. Effectively, the engraved patterns leave an appealing design that is pleasant to the eye and touch. The engraving also works well when you want to use the glass trophies and elements to recognise someone or something significant. The permanent marking will not fade, warp or wear off with time. There are several techniques of engraving glass, and you need to choose one that will work well for you. Here is a discussion that will teach you everything you need to know:
Etching with a Diamond Burr and Pin Vice
Engraving glass by etching it with a diamond burr and pin vice is a simple and straightforward technique. It is ideal for those who might want to try a do-it-yourself project of engraving their glass elements. The tools you need are portable and hand-held, and these qualities make it easy to handle them. A double-ended pin vice and a two-millimetre will suffice for small-scale engraving projects.
Drill Technique
The drilling technique is famous for its versatility and excellent results. When using the drilling technique, you can choose various burrs, stones, polishers and points that will help you achieve the particular characters you want to engrave into the glass. The tool comes with a micro motor for powering the parts that make contact with the glass. You can also get it with flexible drive attachments to suit your particular needs.
If you are using the drilling technique for a do-it-yourself project, consider starting with a simple rotary tool and adding the flexible shafts after familiarising yourself with the equipment. The best drills have no vibration when you are using them to engrave the glass. When using this technique, it helps to have some water in a container nearby. It is essential for eliminating the dust resulting from the process. You will also need a dust mask to keep the dust from flying into your eyes.
Sandblasting
You can also go for sandblasting when engraving your glass. The process involves covering the areas you want to engrave with a suitable masking material. Thereafter, sand is blasted onto the surface of the glass in particular patterns guided by the powered machine. Sandblasting is the best technique for those who want to engrave glass on a large scale.
For more information, reach out to a professional who provides engraving services.
