frosting glass

iDRINKBLEACH

knowing is half the power - Gi-JOE
Accessory Maker
Any one have experience in this I'd like to frost the designs on my water piper actually on it.
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davesmith

Well-Known Member
Glass Blower
A sandblaster is your best bet. Hydrofluric acid might etch glass but leave that to scientists and graffers.

You can also rock tumble but wouldn't work on that.

So sandblasting is your ticket
 

mvapes

Scratchin' Glass!
Accessory Maker
Any one have experience in this I'd like to frost the designs on my water piper actually on it.
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I'm a sandblaster brotha!

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HMU - I might be able to help you out....

And I like star wars too, lol...

And I etch too and you can't (or don't want to)dremel a piece. There's no way to guarantee structural integrity when it comes to glass. If there's a thin spot or a stress point that couldn't be seen by eye there's a damn good chance you'll shatter your piece with the vibration of a dremel. And, when you do use a rotary tool ANYONE please stay away from a dremel for numerous reasons. One, although dremel is a great tool it only spins at a max of 8k RPM. That's way to slow to effectively etch an image with any type of quality and second the motor is in your hand. This causes mass vibration, something you obviously don't want when trying to hold your hand steady. Most of us use a pneumatic rotary tool meant for dentistry that will operate up to 300,000 RPM. Plus you have to keep the glass lubricated, you'll need a flex shaft, etc....

Not a route anyone wants to take unless your skilled with the proper tools. :D

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iDRINKBLEACH

knowing is half the power - Gi-JOE
Accessory Maker
I will ask openly if you dont mind. So if any one else ever needs this info it will only be one search click away.
1) what supplies do you use. I actually have access to a giant sandblaster, with a lot of accessories, we use on semi trucks and trailers. is there a preference in stencil material so the sand doesn't blast through it?
2) How do you prep your glass prior to sand blasting?
3) Execution

Thanks much in advanced. Search first, then ask and you shall recieve ha.
EDIT**** if I were to blast my patrick star bowl would it make it more solid pink so he stays pink easier, or would he be ugly as hell?
 
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mvapes

Scratchin' Glass!
Accessory Maker
I will ask openly if you dont mind. So if any one else ever needs this info it will only be one search click away.
1) what supplies do you use. I actually have access to a giant sandblaster, with a lot of accessories, we use on semi trucks and trailers. is there a preference in stencil material so the sand doesn't blast through it?
2) How do you prep your glass prior to sand blasting?
3) Execution

Thanks much in advanced. Search first, then ask and you shall recieve ha.
EDIT**** if I were to blast my patrick star bowl would it make it more solid pink so he stays pink easier, or would he be ugly as hell?

Wow, there's so much to write brotha. I started by etching with a rotary tool and using stuff like etching creams and stencils to put designs on my own stuff. I guess I got bored and started to dabble in other abrasives.

I do a lot of sand work now and for the most part I'm using a bench top blast cabinet. I have a pressure pot as well but I only use that on bigger pieces or when I need to blast multiple layers. I use different types of media for different things but a little hint for everyone, when blasting a pipe I like to use 150 grit aluminum oxide. Nice smooth fast cutting and it leaves a really nice finish. Also, anyone getting into this please don't skimp on your air compressor. If your not getting at least 15 gallons don't bother.

Now, prep on the other hand is actually the hard part. Once your blaster is all set that shit is easy. Making, cutting, laying, and weeding stencils is WHOLE different story. I finally bought a vinyl cutting machine and software to vector images and art work for stenciling. There's no actual prep work for the glass itself. But the stenciling is plenty, lol. Such a pain in the ass.

I'll put together a little video for you guy's to enjoy.

Oh, and trust me - if your not using a cabinet DO NOT CUT CORNERS on a hood! Sandblasting is messy and it fucking hurts when it hit's your bare skin or better yet it get's in your eyes.

And stay away from silica carbide unless your buying a 400 dollar respiarator for your hood. The stuff is expensive and it's great to work with but the danger of it scares the fuck outta me. Inhaling it can cause silicosis. It's fatal. There are some brands out there with the silca gel removed but the difference in quality from a quality aluminum oxide (NOT HARBOR FREIGHT) isn't that big.

I'll get that vid up for you guys...

:science::peace:
 

herbivore21

Well-Known Member
Wow, there's so much to write brotha. I started by etching with a rotary tool and using stuff like etching creams and stencils to put designs on my own stuff. I guess I got bored and started to dabble in other abrasives.

I do a lot of sand work now and for the most part I'm using a bench top blast cabinet. I have a pressure pot as well but I only use that on bigger pieces or when I need to blast multiple layers. I use different types of media for different things but a little hint for everyone, when blasting a pipe I like to use 150 grit aluminum oxide. Nice smooth fast cutting and it leaves a really nice finish. Also, anyone getting into this please don't skimp on your air compressor. If your not getting at least 15 gallons don't bother.

Now, prep on the other hand is actually the hard part. Once your blaster is all set that shit is easy. Making, cutting, laying, and weeding stencils is WHOLE different story. I finally bought a vinyl cutting machine and software to vector images and art work for stenciling. There's no actual prep work for the glass itself. But the stenciling is plenty, lol. Such a pain in the ass.

I'll put together a little video for you guy's to enjoy.

Oh, and trust me - if your not using a cabinet DO NOT CUT CORNERS on a hood! Sandblasting is messy and it fucking hurts when it hit's your bare skin or better yet it get's in your eyes.

And stay away from silica carbide unless your buying a 400 dollar respiarator for your hood. The stuff is expensive and it's great to work with but the danger of it scares the fuck outta me. Inhaling it can cause silicosis. It's fatal. There are some brands out there with the silca gel removed but the difference in quality from a quality aluminum oxide (NOT HARBOR FREIGHT) isn't that big.

I'll get that vid up for you guys...

:science::peace:
Man those rigs are beautiful that you posted above, I gotta get onto you about a new rig :D
 

mvapes

Scratchin' Glass!
Accessory Maker
That looks freaking sick! !only reason I don't like it is you can't see the tasty vapor build up before you inhale. Something I like to watch , otherwise very cool hobby keep on keeping on !

I agree! That's why I leave patches bare where you can see your perc and some tasty vapor! :rockon:

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mrbonsai420

Accessory Maker
Accessory Maker
I just watched a friend sandblast a vase and I was thinking "I need to bring him a rig to blast!" That brought me here, cool shit guys!
 
mrbonsai420,
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