Introduction: Glass Dining Room Table "Etching"
A time consuming way to make a plain glass table (or any piece of glass) so much cooler.
Supplies you'll need include:
Spraypaint (Matte Black)
Painters Tape (Blue)
X-ACTO Knife (360 rotation head) or other razor type knife
Sharpies/Pencils etc.
Patience
Supplies you'll need include:
Spraypaint (Matte Black)
Painters Tape (Blue)
X-ACTO Knife (360 rotation head) or other razor type knife
Sharpies/Pencils etc.
Patience
Step 1: Flip the Table Over.
You want to be working on the underside of the glass so your painted side is protected.
Step 2: Prepare the Table for Painters Tape.
In this step you need to thoroughly clean the table so your tape and eventually paint are going to adhere well.
Step 3: Cover the Table With Painters Tape.
Starting from one side work your way to the other side with long strips of painters tape, with each strip slightly overlapping the previous one.
You'll want to find the widest painters tape you can for this, it'll make it much easier.
You'll want to find the widest painters tape you can for this, it'll make it much easier.
Step 4: Sketch Your Design Onto the Tape.
You might want to start with pencil and sketch out your design, then go over it with a thick black sharpie when you are satisfied.
I warmed up on this piece of cardboard and tried out a few motifs until I was ready to go.
I warmed up on this piece of cardboard and tried out a few motifs until I was ready to go.
Step 5: Now Comes the Tedium. But It's Worth It.
It's time to cut out your design. You're actually leaving the design on the table and removing everything else.
Note: X-ACTO has a handy knife that allows the blade to rotate 360 in the tool. This is very helpful when you are cutting curves like this design.
You'll probably want a drink handy for this phase.
Note: X-ACTO has a handy knife that allows the blade to rotate 360 in the tool. This is very helpful when you are cutting curves like this design.
You'll probably want a drink handy for this phase.
Step 6: Spraypaint the Entire Table
I don't have any pics of the spray painting process, but basically you want to spray paint the entire table going over your taped design. Smooth overlapping strokes back and forth will make it turn out great.
Make sure you have good ventilation and wear a mask.
When you are done the table will be entirely black. It actually looked pretty cool this way too.
The 2nd picture is from the underside of the table showing you the tape and the paint.
Make sure you have good ventilation and wear a mask.
When you are done the table will be entirely black. It actually looked pretty cool this way too.
The 2nd picture is from the underside of the table showing you the tape and the paint.
Step 7: Remove the Painters Tape
You'll want to wait until the paint is dry and then you can begin removing the tape.
I've got a couple of cloths on the table to rest my arms and tools on.
This step also requires some patience.
I've got a couple of cloths on the table to rest my arms and tools on.
This step also requires some patience.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Custom 'etched' Table
Don't forget to turn the table back over so your design is on the underside!
Check out the cool patterns the light creates on the floor through the table.
Check out the cool patterns the light creates on the floor through the table.