Anyone tried sand blasting glass?

[dichrofindings]

I've tried etching glass pieces . . usually bowls or platters . . all over and with stencil masks . . but I'm thinking about trying sand blasting. Has anyone tried it? Any pitfalls to avoid in buying the kit? . . any advice on using sand blasting kit?

All comments and advice welcome :kiss:

[urbtaf]

Not done this as a craft, but in my youth I used to work in a glass factory when the markets were having a hard time, they used a blast box, the design was drawn on a plastic masking tape, stuck on the glass then into the box 1 pass with the grit gun and out. It was very fast and clean as long as the box was sealed right, May not be of much help to you as I presume things have advanced since then.

[dichrofindings]

Ta!

I don't really think it's changed that much . . 'cept the kit might be more technical or a bit more advanced now . . and you can get it in smaller sizes . . but it does look VERY expensive to buy! So I gotta be sure it's something worthwhile . . otherwise it'll just be a waste of money . . and none of us can afford that at the moment can we???

[Geoffc]

I have just packed up a glass engraving business.

I used sandblasting most of the time.

There's loads of kit out there but it depends how much you want to do and there's lots of different techniques too.

You can use polymer photofilm stencils, vynil cut stencils or hand cut stencils.
There is surface etching or you can do deep cut engraving to give 3d effect.
One of the main items that you will need is an air compressor. You can get compressors that are virtually silent but, if noise is not a problem, you can get a standard compressor much cheaper. The main thing is to make sure that you get one that will deliver enough air.
There is nothing worse than a fiddly little compressor that means you have stop every few minutes to let it catch up and then have the pressure going up and down.
If you would care to PM or email me then I could give you loads of info.
Best wishes
Geoff

[dichrofindings]

Thanks Geoff . . have emailed you! :)