This craft would be more suited for teens. Parent supervision is still very much needed because the project requires using products with Ammonium/Sodium Biflurides in it and acetone is also required for this project. This chemical can cause burns and has harmful vapors.
It is necessary to read the warning label on the bottle of Armour Etch and acetone adhering to the cautions and wearing the protective garments recommended by the product. This product warning suggests that only those over the age of 18 use it so adult supervision is going to be required at any age level of 18 and under. It is strongly recommended that the adult handle the acetone and etching cream application to this project.
I’ve been making etched mirrors for over fifteen years. The techniques I use professionally are more time consuming than
the method I am going to show you in this article. I have used this method successfully and I also felt that this technique would be better suited in a craft geared to young adults.
Supplies and gear:
Protective clothing
Gloves
Plain paper
Pencil or pen
Armour Etch
Mirror 8 x 10
Paintbrush
Stencils (plastic stencils sold in craft sections)
Photo
Paint Remover (Acetone)
Steel wool
8 x 10 Picture frame
Mirrors can be ordered from shops that cut and sell glass. Tell them that you need them a mirror cut to the size of 8 inches by 10 inches so it will fit in an 8x10 frame. Also request that they smooth the edge so that it is not sharp. I pay $5.00 or less per mirror so if the price is much over then call around to find a better price.
Once you have your mirror(s), you are going to have to decide on a design.
Craft stores have lots of plastic templates now for painting stencils so there is a variety of styles and designs to choose.
Take a plan sheet of paper and cut it to an 8 x 10 size.
Put it in the picture frame (without the glass) that you are going to use and trace around the inside of the frame. This will be your boundary so you know not to have a design extend from the marks.
Take the paper out of the frame and start to design your masterpiece.
I always decide where I am going to place my photo and then design around it. I have oval, rectangle, and other different shape templates that I can lay over my photo to see what shape accents the picture the best.
Draw your shape on your plain piece of paper.
Take the stencils and draw your pattern around the photo until it appears the way you like best. (The young adult can do this step)
When you are finished with your design then you are ready to put it on the mirror.
Experience has taught me to erase the mirror first where I want the picture to be before I use the etching cream. So it is best to do that first. Take you design and cut out the shape you drew for the picture to be displayed. Turn the mirror and design over. Place the design on the back of the mirror
and trace around the shape with a pencil on the back of the mirror.
Make sure you are wearing protective gear; in a well ventilated area and brush the paint remover over the shape. Let the acetone sit there before attempting to take the paint off the back of the mirror.
With gloved hands and facemask take the steel wool and rub off the paint of the mirror from the shape you just drew. Use the steel wool to feather around the edges of the shape so it blends into the mirror. You may have to reapply the acetone until you are pleased with the finished result. It doesn’t come off in seconds so don’t get frustrated.
Wash the back of the mirror off so no residue remain and clean the front of the mirror with glass cleaner.
Tape your stencil onto the mirror with masking tape. Take a paintbrush (don’t forget to wear gloves and protective clothing) and apply thick layers of the etching cream over the stencil area. It is best to brush one direction and then brush the other direction to make sure your area is covered completely. Let the cream stand for at least five minutes. I’ve left it on for as long as 12 minutes and not done damage to my stencil. That decision is yours to make. The bottle recommends 5 minutes. Take the mirror and wash it under running water until the cream is rinsed away. If you are reusing the stencil in other areas of your design then move to the next area and repeat this step.
Wash and dry the mirror completely. Tape the photos on the back of the mirror so they show through the mirror. Put the mirror in a frame.
You have a great gift or memento for your own keeping.
OPTIONAL-
You will need:
Alphabet stencils
Clear contact paper
Hobby knife
Plain paper
If you want to add lettering then this is the best technique to use:
Cover the section of the mirror you are going to place the name on with clear contact paper the length of the name. Using alphabet stencils write the name on a plain piece of paper. Place a piece of carbon paper over the clear contact paper and place your name template over the carbon. Trace over the letters and they will be transferred to the contact paper. Now take a hobby knife and cut out the name. Apply the etching cream over the cut out letters on the clear contact paper. Wash it off in the desired amount of time.
If you have any problems with this project don't hesitate to post questions on our forum.
This way to the forum
It was a little tricky to take a picture of the mirror without other images being reflected. I hope this shot gives you a good visual on how the mirror will look when completed.
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