Made-To-Order & Custom Stencil Instructions size: 1.5 MB

Step 1: Clean the glass or mirror
Clean the glass or mirror in order to remove grease, dust, and all fingerprints. Dry the glass or mirror thoroughly.

Step 2: Measure to determine location
Carefully measure the stencil design as well as the glass or mirror with a ruler to determine where you will locate the stencil on your project. Do not assume the stencil design is centered on the stencil vinyl.

Step 3: Remove SMOOTH backing sheet
Turn the stencil over so the SMOOTH backing sheet is facing up. Slowly peel off the entire backing sheet by pulling the sheet back onto itself at approximately 180-degree angle.

Step 4: Applying the stencil
Hold the stencil in your hands and turn it over so the exposed adhesive side is now facing down. Bend up the two sides of the stencil so that the center is bowed down. Use your measurement marks to align the stencil as you bring it closer to the glass before actually touching it to the glass surface. When you apply the stencil to your project, make sure the bowed center part of the stencil touches first. Once the center touches the surface, use your finger tips or the palm of your hand to smooth out the stencil to the left and then to the right.

Step 5: Removing the top TEXTURED carrier sheet
After the stencil has been completely adhered, carefully peel back the textured top textured carrier sheet to remove it. As with the backing sheet, pull the top sheet back on to itself at a 180-degree angle to avoid pulling up pieces of the stencil. If some stencil pieces do pull up, simply use the top sheet to press down these areas until they are re-adhered to the surface.

Step 6: Peeling out the design Remove all the stencil sections in the areas that you are going to etch. The pieces should remain in the areas that will be clear. Use the point of your hobby knife, tweezers, or a pin to remove the stencil pieces. Take your time; pay close attention to what you are doing! If you are working on clear glass, you can put a light source under your stenciled project to make the cut lines appear more visible. Use masking tape or Contact Vinyl to completely cover and protect all the surrounding exposed areas of glass that you wish to protect. Make sure you overlap the vinyl or tape onto the stencil material to prevent the etching cream from seeping underneath. Before etching, place the backing sheet over the top of the stencil. With your finger tips, a burnisher, or a credit card; press firmly in a back & forth, up & down motion to adhere the stencil edges to the surface of your project. Protect the surrounding areas of your project by building a frame with masking tape completely around the stencil and overlapping the stencil itself.

Step 7: Apply etching cream
Be sure that all exposed glass or mirror is completely clean. The glass, room temperature, and the Armour Etch® Cream must be over 65 degrees. Apply a thick layer of etching cream with a soft bristle brush or sponge brush. The etching cream should be applied thick enough so the design is not visible. Allow the etching cream to remain on the glass about 5 minutes. While waiting, use your brush to redistribute the etching cream by re-brushing the applied etching cream in different directions to insure proper coverage and eliminate air pockets. If you are using the Sand Etch mini sandblaster you would place the project in the inflate-a-booth. Holding the sandblaster vertical and 1⁄2” away from the stencil, depress the valve button and move the blaster slowly from side to side and up and down. Place a work light behind the project while blasting so you can easily see the areas as they are etched. Go to Step nine.

Step 8: Wash off etching cream
Using a medium pressure water source, wash off all the remaining etching cream working from top to bottom. Work quickly but safely! Avoid splashing. Wear eye protection and gloves.

Step 9: Remove stencil
Once the rinsing and drying is done you can start removing the vinyl masking. Larger pieces will come off pretty easy. If you have trouble with any smaller pieces run the stenciled area under hot water.