Engraved Signatures on glass - How to?

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maryframer

maryframer

CGF, Certified Grumble Framer
Joined
Mar 6, 2007
Posts
144
Loc
Richmond, VA
I saw an article in one of the Decor or PFM mags about a framer who transfered a corporate signature on to glass while reframing a number of pieces for the company. It was a very cool look. I would love to add this to my tool box.

After searching all weekend I can't find the mag article or any posts on the grumble regarding this technique. I have an order this would be perfect for if I could just find out how to do it. My customer would like to reproduce her grandfather's handwritten poem (written on his deathbed).

I assume the writing is scanned and digitized but after that I am clueless.

Does anyone have any info on this?

Thanks in advance.
 
I believe this could be done with a specialized engraving laser machines, like the VersaLaser.

Some Grumblers here have one (Bob Carter, I believe, is one of them) and they may able to give you more info on this technique.
 
There may be more than one way

I never owned a Laser nor had anything digitalized and cut by one . However I have acid etched many free hand images on glass useing clear contact paper /film and Armor Etch .

I never reproduced any signatures but have done logos and initials. The only difficulty is how Small you want them to appear. I say this since I made the stencils by tracing them onto the Clear contact and then cutting the inside and outside boarders of the lettering ( this is very similar to the old Photo Emulsin film method of making a Silkscreen/ Serigraph by hand). So it is increasingly difficult as the image gets smaller.

But I have done things like very small ducks ( a couple of inches total)with Bull rushes. So I would suppose that with a steady hand , a sharp Exacto knife and a reproduced signature to the size you are comfortable with and is easily discernable you can do anything the Laser can do.

Of course there are Laser setups designed to do exactly this sort of stencil making and all you'd need to do is apply the etching cream. I am even told that some sign making shops might do the stencil for you for a FEE.

BUDDY
 
You also can use a specialized airbrush made by Paasche which shoots an abrasive powder also available from them to etch into glass or mirrors. make a stencil from acetate, mylar of some other material and go at it.

Paasche #AEC Air Eraser and #AEX-5 Aluminum Oxide Fast Cutting Compound.


Here's one of many sources:

www.dickblick.com/zz250/06/
 
I have done this on glass, in calligraphy many times.

Didn't have access to laser though.
Cover the entire surface of the glass with clear contact paper, burnished down very well. Lay the signature under the very clean glass and trace over it onto the contact paper.

Here's where it gets tricky. Get out your reading glasses and a very sharp exacto blade. Cut and peel away the writing. Burnish what's left again, as it will lift up the edges when you peel.

Etching cream is available in most craft stores (I know M's has it) or stained glass supply shops. Use the thick, creamy stuff. Follow the directions, which will tell you to lay your surface flat, pour the cream evenly onto the area you want etched, let sit x-minutes, wash off thoroughly, in the sink under running water.

Peel away what's left of the contact paper and wash again.

Pracctice on small scraps a few times, it's not that difficult.

And then, there's those folks with the laser-things. These days, I'd be inclined to take it to them.

Edit: Oops, just read Buddy's post. Yeah. What he said.
 
All of the methods listed are very good way's to achieve your end result. However, in the article you're refering to the framer silkscreened the signatures in reverse to the inside of the glass. I have done this a few times, and it works the best, because you can use a photo process to get an exact replication of the signature.
 
Take to a local trophy shop. they can scan, clean up and laser the glass for you. best to do underside I would think.

we had a mirror sandblasted from behind for each store then we painted the back to show the color through. wouldn't recommend for a poem or signature.

I don't know how the picture is going to look but it says

we custom frame
custom beveled mirrors
 

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Thanks everyone. After all the input I think I have 2 great techniques to investigate, the silkscreening and laser engraving.

I have tried the etching cream on other projects and like it but my client wants to do several copies to give to family and friends so I think the other 2 ways would be closer to the mark.

Thanks again!

Mary
 
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