Using Rub & Buff on Glass Etching Projects

"Rub N Buff (RNB) is an easy to use metallic wax that gives your etchings the look of leafing, but without the hassle. It will stick only to the etching and not the shiny glass. It is fairly durable and can be re-applied when it wears away (no topical colorant is permanent)"

The Rub & Buff comes in  surprisingly tiny tubes, be prepared.  But don't despair, a tiny, tiny bit goes a LONG way!  

Supplies:

The font for my stencil is Herina.  It's free - but if you just use it in Design Space, you won't ever see the pretty ligatures.  Design Space cannot read font kerning, so system fonts are never spaced right, and never show all the fun things, like ligatures, that the designers program into them.  I use the free fontlab pad for all of my text.  Type the text, save it as an svg, then upload it to Design Space.  You don't even have to install the font - FLB can even read fonts right from their zip files.  
The Free Herina Font:

More About Fontlab Pad

First - The Glass Etching Tips:

  • Armor Etch is my favorite.  It's the cheapest, easy to find, and it works great.  Apply it with a small brush.  
  • Any vinyl will work for your stencil.  I have been using scraps leftover from bigger projects. 
  • Leave it on for 5 minutes. The instructions say 1 minute, but the consensus among crafters is 5 minutes. 
  •  "For a more pronounced etching, use your brush to move the cream on top of your stencil. At about the 1 ½ minute and 3 ½ minute marks, do this to break up air pockets that will cause uneven etching. Leave the cream for five minutes. Overall, including stirring, the cream needs to stay on the glass at least five minutes."
  • Rinse, and allow to dry thoroughly before applying rub and buff
Dollar Tree Wine Glasses, Etched

Don't do this!  This is WAY too much, and a waste of the rub & Buff
barely squeeze the tube, you only need a tiny dot.  Rub it on with your finger, over the etching.

Rub & Buff Tips
  • Apply just the tiniest bit to your finger, and rub it onto the design Note - this is completely contrary to my method, and photo.  Learn from my mistakes.  -)
  • Buff
  • Let dry for 20 minutes or so, apply a second coat.
  • Hand wash only - no glass cleaner or dishwasher.  But if it wears off, just reapply as needed!

Just etched on the left, Rub & Buff on the right

Rub and Buff can be used on anything - not just glass etching!  You can apply it to wood, plastic, metal...  Picture frames, lamp bases...  see some examples here: https://ourfifthhouse.com/2012/07/rub-n-buff-how-to-easy-tips/


"Rub N Buff (RNB) is an easy to use metallic wax that gives your etchings the look of leafing, but without the hassle. It will stick only to the etching and not the shiny glass. It is fairly durable and can be re-applied when it wears away (no topical colorant is permanent)"

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Etching Glass Cookie Plates 

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Find me On Facebook At Crafting With Fields Of Heather
Where I post LOTS Of Free svgs each day, and more tips and tutorials

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Find more step by step tutorials here:


1 comment:

  1. Hi there! I just found your post and I did the same exact thing with the rub n buff!! What is the easiest way to clean it off without removing the RNB from the etched glass...?

    ReplyDelete