Acid-Etched Glass

Glass etching or “French embossing,” is a popular technique developed during the mid-1800s that is still widely used.  Parrafin wax or (later Brunswick Black) would act as a ‘resist’ when painted onto the surface.  A decorative pattern is then stencilled or scratched into the wax layer, exposing the glass surface.  Hydrofluoric acid vapour soon etches into the smooth glass surface, creating a frosted and clear decorative design.  Acids, alkali or physical abrasives can all be employed to achieve a similar effect.

“Embossed Glass is a polished plate glass 1/4 of an inch thick with designs embossed in it.  The embossing is done by first stensiling the pattern in Brunswick Black.  The surface is then subjected to the action of fluoric acid, which attacks and makes a ground glass surface on the unprotected parts.  Embossing is done to suit the particular size as the occasion demans”

In the 1920s a mould-etch process was developed, where the design was etched directly from the mould.  Each cast piece emerged from the mould with the image already etched into the surface of the glass. 

Acid etching can revert to become an almost clear pane when wet, which should be considered if selecting etched glazing for bathrooms or other wet environments.