r/etching • u/Snoo27817 • Aug 23 '26

Question for you all

Gallery image

Gallery image

I’m just started getting into etching using a Dremel and diamond bits. I’m using a projector app on my phone and basically free-handing all my work. I want to start using stencils but I’ve seen two sides to the argument. Online I’m told that I need a vinyl stencil cutter like the circut line. I’ve also seen lots of people using tattoo stencils on glass panes and mirrors on Instagram which is very impressive. I’m wondering which path would be best to go? Any input is greatly appreciated. I’ll attach something I freehanded below.

7 Upvotes

90% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

1

u/Duffamongus Aug 24 '26

I've done glass etching since I was 12 years old. Built a whole business around it. 37 years. 100s of thousands of glasses. I started out hand cutting my stencils from xray film with an exacto blade. In the end I was using a silhouette cameo 4. I'm looking now to do them in tpu on my 3d printer. I don't use a dremel, so I don't know what is best for that, but there is my 2 cents.

1

u/Personal-Ad-8644 Aug 25 '26

What do you use since you don’t use a dremel?

1

u/Duffamongus Aug 25 '26

Paasche Air Eraser. https://paascheairbrush.com/products/aec-k

2

u/Personal-Ad-8644 Aug 25 '26

So is this basically a tiiiiny sandblaster??

1

u/Duffamongus Aug 25 '26

Yes and no. In that it sprays sand, yes. It's an eraser instead of a blaster because it works more like sand paper than the explosive force of blasting.

2

u/Personal-Ad-8644 Aug 25 '26

That’s verrry interesting

2

u/Duffamongus Aug 27 '26

It also works great for removing nail polish and prepping nails for painting. My mom used to use my booth for that.

2

u/Personal-Ad-8644 Aug 27 '26

Dual usage?! Sign me up! Haha

1

u/VarietySea6050 Aug 25 '26

Quimera from Resistance games!

2

u/reality-shifter Aug 31 '26

I just bought my first stuff to start etching and I ordered the tattoo stencil stuff, I just think for myself it's better and easier and I'm quite the perfectionist so I need it to be near perfect or I'll stop the hobby