Acid Glass Etching- Reviving an Ancient Craftsmanship
Have you ever noticed how beautiful glass can be when treated and etched? They come off as jewel-like pieces molded into modern day art that can be as simple as a mere figurine or as majestic as an exhibit piece. Actually glass art dates back as far as 15th century BC in Egypt, where glass artifacts have been unearthed as evidences of some Pharaoh’s penchant for them. It became a timeless concept that required meticulous skills and artistic craftsmanship as it was passed on through the years. Acid glass-etching is one of them, its controversial re-emergence as a modern day art is something quite interesting.
Origins of Acid Glass-etching
Etching during the middle ages was not confined to glass material alone. Monarchs, aristocrats and knights took so much pride in their blades and armors; they commissioned artisans to etch embellishments in order to render a distinction between their prized possessions. Such intricate embellishments were so well-liked and popular that metal goblets and plates were likewise etched with elaborate designs.
The art of etching found its way into the Victorian era where glass now became a medium for its expression. Hence it became know as an art of its own and was aptly named as acid glass-etching. However, its popularity was somehow clouded with controversy since its acid medium known as Hydrofluoric acid was too much of a health risk to its artisans. In fact the acid was so potent users were found to have been poisoned even by its mere fumes. Accidents most often happened where a mere skin contact of the acid dissolved into the tissues which later resulted to the mutilation or loss of the artisan’s fingers. As a result, acid glass-etching craftsmanship lacked refinement thus lost its luster as an art collection.
Modern Day Acid Glass-etching
Hydrofluoric acid in acid-glass etching became a thing of the past. However present day research and technology came up with more convenient and safe etching substances. Today there is an etching crème that provides a more controllable form easier to apply even in small glass ornaments and trinkets. This form of art has become so popular as building materials, wedding souvenirs, decors and practical house wares.
In fact in the automotive industry, this glass etching technique has found a useful way for providing additional proof of ownership for the car owner. The driver’s license number is etched on the front and back windshield quite effectively that its owner won’t find any difficulty in staking his claim of ownership in cases of car thievery.
Modern acid glass-etching techniques
Today the safety of the substance used for glass etching has allowed many households to engage in its artistry as a hobby or even as a home business. For regularly shaped objects crèmes come in handy by merely being smoothed on with the use of a squeegee. Wax paper carriers are used as stencils where an original design maybe drawn and cut. However, if a user lacks the artistic skill to draw, pre-cut stencils are also available for their convenience.
There are also etching tools such as swivel knives, pick knives, adhesive masks aside from the squeegee which makes it possible for an ordinary person to enjoy the acid glass-etching hobby as a past time. As for round and irregularly shaped objects the process of glass etching is done by using a liquid form of the etching solution. The object is dipped into the solution for a few minutes and will re-emerge with a decorative texture. What’s more fun with this latest acid glass-etching technique is that you can add acrylic paint to add more color and artistry.
Shunned before and almost forgotten, this glass artistry came to hold its own following when the trend in unique glass art came into fore. Along with glass-blowing, glass staining, glass fusion and glass-slumping, acid glass etching is now here to stay.
About the Author
The author is an active freelance writer at GetAFreelance.com(GAF). She has ghostwritten numerous articles,blogs, e-books, e-reports, product reviews and press releases.She is likewise active in her career as a CPA in the Philippines, her native country.
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