How we do what we do

Artwork is printed onto special vellum paper, using a high definition printer.

Self-adhesive glass engraving mask, stuck to glass.

The ‘mask’ is self adhesive and laid onto the glass. Measuring carefully, the mask is finally positioned and rolled down firmly.

Exposure Unit for making masks for glass engraving.

A special ‘light sensitive’ film is placed at the bottom of an exposure unit. the artwork (above)
is placed on top of the film. UV light shines through the art work page, “cooking” the light sensitive film beneath. Artwork (black text/images) protects those areas on the film directly below and it remains “raw”.

Removing the clear acetate from glass engraving mask.

A clear plastic
carrier is removed
from the film.

Wire wheel running over mask, pops air bubbles.

A wire wheel, run over the mask,
releases air bubbles

Tape placed around sandblasting mask, increases area.

Tape is placed
around the mask, to protect the glass.

Sandblasting mask being washed out in wash-out unit.

The “cooked” parts remain. We call this a Mask, but it’s often referred to as a Stencil or Resist.

The film is placed in a Washing Out Unit. Using fresh, warm water, the “raw” parts of the film are washed away.

Professional sandblast machine for glass engraving.

Inside an industrial sandblasting cabinet, fine aluminium oxide is blasted against the mask. “Cooked” areas repel the blasting, while clear, unprotected areas of glass are deeply engraved.

The Mask is dried using warm air. It becomes ‘tacky’ on one side. Now it is ready to be applied to the glass

Washing glass after sandblast engraving.

Visit a Glass Engraver's website to Find Out More