How to Remove Glass Etching

A great hobby that someone can get into is glass etching. It does not require much money, time, or design skills to create a beautiful piece. Unfortunately, accidents can happen and you may want to remove a portion of the pattern or a small mistake. This is possible, but only with minor surface glass etching.

If you used a glass etching cream, for instance, and have not left it on too long, these methods could be just what you need. A glass etching that has been scratched, marked or superficially damaged can also be fixed using these same techniques. There are several ways to remove a superficial glass etching or accidental scratches and the article that follows will show you how.

Note: Glass frosting, as well as sandblasted glass, cannot be adjusted or fixed with these methods.

Step 1 - Use the Denture Tablet Method

These tablets, when put in water, foam and bubble, and it's this action that causes dirt, wear, and grime to be removed from the denture. This same reaction can be used for minor surface scratches on glass.

Fill a container with hot water and drop in a denture tablet. Typically, one denture tablet is enough for one cup of water, so the more water you have the more denture tablets you will need in order for it to work.

When the foaming action begins, you can submerge the item you want to remove the glass etching from. Allow it to soak for 30 minutes and then begin scrubbing the area with a scrub brush. If the marks you want to remove are on the inside of the glass then fill the glass with water and drop in the denture tablet.

Step 2 - Scrub with Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the chemicals found in denture tablets as well as some brands of glass etching cream. Baking soda can remove some scratches that dentures tablets cannot, which also include shallow glass etching designs.

Dip your fingers in some water and put a layer of baking soda on them. Use your fingers to scrub the area you want to work on. This is particularly great for dish detergent scratches. Allow the baking soda to dry and crust over then wash it off the glass.

Step 3 - Try Powder Cleaner

This cleaner is very harsh so wear gloves and take care when using it. Wet the glass etching and sprinkle the cleaner on top of it. Allow it to sit on the glass for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.

Step 4 - Apply Metal Polish

This solution is probably the harshest of all of them. Metal polish is meant to be used on metal, so by using it on glass, you run the risk of damaging it more than actually helping it. For this reason, it should only be used on thicker glass.

Drinking glasses meant for wine, for example, is not a good idea. It is a good idea to follow the instructions on the bottle for proper usage and safety requirements when attempting to remove a glass etching.

Remove Glass Etching FAQ

Is glass etching permanent?

Etched glass is achieved through little micro-scratches that cut into the glass. This means glass etching is permanent.

Will vinegar remove etching on glass?

Vinegar can be effectively used to clean glass but it is not strong enough to either etch glass or to remove glass etching. You can use vinegar to make glass nice and shiny but it will not change the nature of the glass, which is what etching does.

Does rubbing alcohol etch glass?

Most people have standard rubbing alcohol in their homes and it's a great all-purpose chemical compound that can be used for any number of household tasks. Alcohol can remove the protective coating from glass but it will not scratch or damage glass.

Alcohol is a strong chemical but it's not an effective cleaner and by itself it will not etch glass.

Does vinegar damage glass?

Vinegar is a very useful all-purpose cleaner that is very safe to use on windows and mirrors. You should not use vinegar on electronic screens or smart screens, even when they are made of glass.

What causes etching on glass?

Etching on glass is created with little micro-scratches and this can occur on its own due to hard minerals in water. You may notice these little scratches on glassware you have had for a long time that has passed through the dishwasher several times.