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does armour etch work on plexiglass

by Russ Haley Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Just make sure you use the type made for plexiglass, not glass. Since you are familiar with Armour Etch, I would start there. Apply a drop of Armour Etch to a scrap of your acrylic sheet and see if it reacts. If it does, you have your answer; just mask off the acrylic, cut out your lettering and apply as you would on glass.

Full Answer

Can you use armour etch for chemical etching acrylic?

You can also use Armour Etch for chemical etching acrylic as a substitute for etching cream. Etching with a rotary tool requires patience, practice, and a steady hand. However, this method is much more effective than cream because it works on all transparent acrylic sheets. Moreover, the result is more permanent and long-lasting.

How to etch plexiglass with etching cream?

Here is the step-by-step guide to etching Plexiglass with etching cream. Take a suitable type of Plexiglass and clean it with water or alcohol to clean any debris and dirt. Cover the sheet with vinyl; you don’t need to cover the whole sheet and only the area to be etched.

Can you use acrylic ink to etch on glass?

If it does, you have your answer; just mask off the acrylic, cut out your lettering and apply as you would on glass. If it doesn't work, and you really need it to be etched, you could try other chemicals which act as acrylic solvents.

How long does it take for etching cream to work on acrylic?

The waiting duration for etching cream depends on the manufacturer. Usually, you need to let it sit for 5-7 minutes after applying it to the acrylic sheet. Acrylic sheet is a sturdy material that provides a higher abrasion resistance than polycarbonate.

How to etch glass with armour?

How to remove etching cream from glass?

How to stencil on glass?

How to get fingerprints off glass?

Can you dig into a stencil?

Can you see stencils through armor etching cream?

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Can you do etching on plexiglass?

Plexiglass is less brittle than glass, but is easier to scratch. Practice engraving on a spare piece of plexiglass. Use new bits for the best results Hydrofluoric acid (glass etching fluid) can also be used to etch plexiglass.

Does Armor etch work on plastic?

Plastic glasses are coated with a protective layer to STOP scratches to the plastic surface of the lenses. When you apply Armour Etch to the glasses, yes it removes the protective layer, which gives you the ILLUSION of removing the scratches from your glasses.

What materials does Armour etch work on?

“Armour Etch is a fast-acting specially formulated glass etching compound that lets you create permanently etched designs on windows, mirrors and household glassware.” A few things to keep in mind is that this is not recommended for use on Pyrex, plastic or large solid areas of glass.

What kind of glass can you use Armour etch on?

Glass Etching Supplies Most types of colored glass will work. Some kinds of Pyrex will also work. Cricut Machine – I'll be using a Cricut Maker, but you can also use a Cricut Explore or a Cricut Joy. Vinyl to make the stencil – I prefer to use permanent vinyl for this project.

Can you etch plastic glasses?

With chemical etch, you are pretty much limited to glass, and even then, it's difficult, if not impossible to create anything decent on tempered glass. I've successfully etched on glass, plastic, brass, chrome etc. Basically anything with a gloss surface will take an etch.

What happens if you leave Armour Etch on too long?

It can weaken your stencil making it even harder to get off, it can also scorch your glass as it is “eating” away at it. So be sure to not leave the glass etching cream on too long.

Will etching cream work on acrylic?

Etching is an effective way to customize a piece of acrylic or glass. Some methods of etching include: etching cream, sandblasting and using a rotary tool.

Why did my etching cream not work?

Any debris or tiny pecks of dust can hinder the etching process because the etching cream, will not etch evenly. Wipe everything off with a slightly dampened, soft paper towel. Hold the glass up to a bright light—this can reveal anything debris you have missed.

How long do you leave Armour etching cream on glass?

Allow ARMOUR ETCH Cream to remain on glass for one minute only.. No longer! Immediately wash off all the etching cream under luke warm water.

Can you etch glass with vinegar?

But can you etch glass with vinegar? Vinegar cannot be used to etch glass. Vinegar does not contain any ingredients potent enough to etch glass.

How do you remove Armor etch?

Baking soda and vinegar are effective ways to remove Armour etch. Denture cleaning tablets. After clean them hot soapy water.

How do you use Armour etch on glasses?

3:268:04Eyeglass Scratch Removal With Armour Etch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm using a cotton-tipped swab sometimes called a q-tip to apply the armor edge just applying aMoreI'm using a cotton-tipped swab sometimes called a q-tip to apply the armor edge just applying a relatively thick coating I didn't see any need to rub it in I'm just applying it spreading it around.

What chemical will etch plastic?

Chemical oxidative processes include chromic acid, nitric acid and peroxide attack. Some plastics can be etched with strong base such as sodium or potassium hydroxide.

Can you etch plastic water bottles?

I used Martha Stewart's—very easy. Just clean the bottle up good, wipe it down with a little rubbing alcohol, adhere a stencil, and brush on the etching cream. Allow to sit 15 minutes, rinse off with water, and voila!

Will etching cream work on acrylic?

Etching is an effective way to customize a piece of acrylic or glass. Some methods of etching include: etching cream, sandblasting and using a rotary tool.

Can you etch polyethylene?

The sulphuric acid etching of polyethylene results in the formation of sulphonic groups, varying the surface properties. The study of the groups formed during the etching has been carried out by means of frustrated multiple internal reflection infrared spectroscopy (FMIR).

How to apply armor etch?

1. Since you are familiar with Armour Etch, I would start there. Apply a drop of Armour Etch to a scrap of your acrylic sheet and see if it reacts. If it does, you have your answer; just mask off the acrylic, cut out your lettering and apply as you would on glass.

What to do if acrylic glue doesn't work?

If it doesn't work, and you really need it to be etched, you could try other chemicals which act as acrylic solvents. Some modelling glues work on a "plastic welding" technique where the glue dissolves the acrylic plastic so that two previously separate pieces become one. I would also think that pvc plumbing glue which works on the same principle would work (though you might not like it's purple color).

What to use to buff a surface?

If you make a mistake or the finished surface is too rough, use old fashioned white toothpaste to buff (ideally you would use a 3micron diamond polishing paste, but why break the bank for simple craft projects).

Can acids etch plastic?

Some acids can be used to etch some plastics, but this is not a good area for experimentation unless you are very sure of your raw materials and the chemical reactions you can expect. Using the wrong combination can leave you with a permanently sticky surface or a melted puddle of plastic.

Can you spray paint etched paint?

If you just want the etched look then your safest bet would be frost spray paint. It has the advantage that if it doesn't turn out like you want, you can probably wipe it off while it is still wet and try again.

Can you use acetone to etch glass?

The reaction is much faster than when you etch glass. You can always apply more acetone if the initial effect is not as pronounced as you want.

How to carve plexiglass?

Carve away the surface of the plexiglass with your rotary tool and an engraving bit. Follow the lines of your design carefully. Choose larger bits for engraving big areas, and smaller bits for fine line work. Experiment with the depth and pressure required for a good engraving.

What safety precautions should you take when etching?

Follow safety precautions when etching–use goggles and a particle respirator.

How to Etch on Acrylic?

The acrylic sheets are famous for their high shear strength, abrasion resistance, and anti-solar properties. You can etch on Acrylic through laser engraving, sandblasting, abrasive creams, and rotary tools.

How to clean plexiglass?

Take a suitable type of Plexiglass and clean it with water or alcohol to clean any debris and dirt.

What is white acrylic sheet?

The white Acrylic is specially produced to provide a useful option for opaque sheets of various dimensions. People use the white sheets in outdoor advertising and billboards. The sheet appears dark, but it becomes opaque under the influence of bright LED lights.

What is the thickness of clear acrylic?

These sheets are well-known for their wide range of dimensions. The clear sheets have a width of 1/25 or 0.04-inches and a thickness of 3-10 feet. In terms of length, you can get a sheet of 4 to 12ft. The clear acrylic sheets are useful for tracing purposes.

What to do when you are done etching?

When you are done etching, wash the sheet with warm water and mild soap.

How to trace a design?

Trace the design using a heat gun, or trace the outlines with a soldering iron.

How to trace design on acrylic?

You can use a heating gun to trace the design on Acrylic and make it soft.

What can you use to etch glass?

Etching cream can etch materials such as glass, mirrors, porcelain, and glazed ceramics. The time for how long the etching cream has to stay on the material in order to etch it may vary and, in some cases, it will take off any protective layers, such as the glazing of ceramics.

Can glass be etched?

Can be Etched. Glass. Yes. Mirrors. Yes, but it may take a little longer than usual to etch. Porcelain. Yes. Glazed Ceramics. Yes, but the glaze will be taken off by the etching cream.

Does etching cream take off glaze?

The etching cream will take off the glaze. So you might have to add another type of protective layer on top of it or you may even have to reglaze it at the spot that you etched (which is really hard to do). So while it can have a really great effect on glazed ceramics you should keep in mind, that you edge off the protective layer.

Can porcelain be etched with etching cream?

So you may have to leave it on the mirror slightly longer than usual. Porcelain can also be etched with etching cream but depending on the type of porcelain and if it has a protective coat on it or not, the outcome can vary great ly. I would recommend testing how long it takes and how it looks like on a scrap piece of porcelain, if possible.

Can you etch a mirror with cream?

You can, for example, etch mirrors with it. Just follow the instructions on the package, as you would when etching glass. A lot of mirrors will actually have a protective coat on them which will make it a little harder for the cream to etch deep. So you may have to leave it on the mirror slightly longer than usual.

Can you etch glass with etching cream?

Etching glass is a really cool crafting project and etching cream makes it easy to etch glass at home without the need for any special equipment or expensive tools. But the creative crafters amongst you will quickly arrive at the question if etching cream can etch other materials than glass. I did some research and I did some testing for myself so that I can confidently answer this question for you.

Can you etch plastic?

So if you really want to etch plastic, then do it in a well-ventilated area and, if you can, do a little test etch on a scrap piece of plastic (it should be the same kind of plastic) before you etch the final product.

What is etching on acrylic?

Tape. Pen. Etcher or rotary tool. Etching can be done in a number of ways. Etching is an effective way to customize a piece of acrylic or glass. Some methods of etching include: etching cream, sandblasting and using a rotary tool. A rotary tool, or etcher, requires a steady hand but will help you achieve fine lines, ...

What to use to etch glass?

If you do not have access to a sandblaster, use fine-grit sandpaper to etch into the glass.

How to etch a stencil?

Apply etching cream over the stencil or use a sandblaster to begin your etching. Leave the etching cream on for as long as the manufacturer recommends.

How to trace a design on glass?

Tape the design to the back side of the glass. You could also trace the design to the glass with a permanent marker.

How to get stencils off of vinyl?

Place a piece of vinyl over the area that will be etched. Use adhesive-backed vinyl or use an adhesive that will allow you to peel the stencil away once you are finished.

How to etch glass with armour?

For best etching results we recommend that the room temperature, the etching cream temperature and the object you are etching be over 70 degrees. Shake the ARMOUR ETCH Cream thoroughly. Work in a well lighted and well ventilated area near a water source. Wear plastic gloves and protective eye-wear. You must apply a thick layer of etching cream in order for the chemical to react properly on the glass or mirror. Thick enough so that you cannot see the design of the stencil through the Armour Etch Cream. Stay within taped area.

How to remove etching cream from glass?

Immediately wash off all the etching cream under luke warm water. Some of the stencil will be removed during this rinse, but it is OK. After all traces of the etching cream are washed away, remove all the remaining tape and stencil pieces. Clean the glass using window cleaner and dry completely.

How to stencil on glass?

Choose the design of your choice and carefully cut the stencil sheet and the frosted backing sheet together to avoid touching the back side of the stencil sheet.Measure carefully to determine where you will locate the stencil on the glass or mirror. Separate the blue stencil sheet from the frosted backing sheet. Put aside the frosted backing sheet to be used later. Place stencil sheet on the glass with the blue (tacky) side touching the glass. Secure stencil sheet temporarily to the glass with masking tape.

How to get fingerprints off glass?

Clean the glass or mirror. Clean the glass or mirror thoroughly to remove all grease, dust and fingerprints. Avoid cleaner solutions that advertise Finger print resistant, as these cleaners leave a film on the glass that hinders the etching process. Avoid finger prints on the glass where you are going to etch. Dry glass or mirror completely.

Can you dig into a stencil?

Do not dig into the stencil. You will be able to see the stencil being transferred by the change in color from a dark blue to a lighter blue. Be careful when you rub near the edge of the stencil not to peel it back up by accident. Remove top carrier sheet.

Can you see stencils through armor etching cream?

You must apply a thick layer of etching cream in order for the chemical to react properly on the glass or mirror. Thick enough so that you cannot see the design of the stencil through the Armour Etch Cream. Stay within taped area.

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1.Armour Etch Glass Etching Cream Instructions

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