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I'm in the process of totally remodeling my kitchen and converting my garage into a glass studio....the kitchen cabinets I'm having made will include three 19" x 35" glass panels plus two 9 3/4" x 20" panels. My plan is to either etch or sandblast a design in the glass panels that continue between the cabinets--sort of an abstract river design.

My questions are: Given the size of the glass panels, should I sandblast vs. etch the designs? (I'm looking for a light frost look vs. a deep-blasted design)

If I etch, what etching creme would you recommend?

Is it possible to get a consistent "etch" using etching creme? (my experiences haven't been too successful in that regard)

I have etched a lot in the past but have only sandblasted a couple of times. I think I'm trying to justify purchasing a new sandblasting system for my new glass studio....but am trying to be quasi-reasonable/practical, since I've already gone WAY over my initial budget.....I just read the new thread regarding sandblasters and am tempted to get the 780-TL that Tony recommends, but the width can accommodate up to 34" wide.
My panels are 35" wide--would I be able to blast them at a slant?

I would appreciate any and all input on this matter from you glass geniuses....HELP PLEASE!!!!

Hi -
Etching cream will only rough the surface; to blast or carve, you'll need abrasive and all the equipment.
Tony is a good contact - he knows what you need.
It's almost impossible to get an even etch with cream, unless you keep the areas small (1/2") - I despise the cream.
If the weather is good, don't forget, you could sandblast outdoors. In the right conditions (no close neighbors, the proper wind, no animals, the proper respirator ) lots can be accomplished, with less equipment.
Good luck - Nickie

I agree that blasting is the way to go for this project. And if you're not set up to do this, you might be able to find a sandblaster who will do the blasting after you've cut the resist. If you can bring the glass to a blaster with the resist cut and everything masked off and ready to go, this project should only take a few minutes and should be fairly inexpensive. If you were close to western central Indiana, I'd be glad to blast these for you.

You're in the Wroooonnnnnggggg group if you want us to dissuade you from adding to your tool collection. Just today I saw this cool cabinet that allows you to blast big panels - they don't have to fit into the cabinet - there are gaskets that allow the glass to hang out the sides. Check out the Dobbins' book for pix.

that said, you can probably rent blaster time at a local studio.

You're in the Wroooonnnnnggggg group if you want us to dissuade you from adding to your tool collection. Just today I saw this cool cabinet that allows you to blast big panels - they don't have to fit into the cabinet - there are gaskets that allow the glass to hang out the sides. Check out the Dobbins' book for pix.

that said, you can probably rent blaster time at a local studio.

You might want to consider applying any etched or sandblasted decoration to the inside surface of your glass cabinet so that grease and grubby little finger prints won't be a hassle to clean!

My heartfelt thanks to everyone for their excellent suggestions and ideas! I knew my fellow glassies would have the right answers