1
Use a computer-controlled laser engraving machine to etch glass. Laser equipment manufacturers offer different engraving systems in various sizes and price ranges. The most common type for etching glass is a CO2 laser, which works with a carbon dioxide glass mixture to produce long-wave infrared light to heat minuscule areas of the glass until it chips off. To laser engrave round items, such as wine glasses and beer mugs, you will also need a cylindrical attachment that rotates the item during engraving. These are available from manufacturers as accessories.
2
Choose a graphics program and create your text, graphics and/or photographic images. CorelDRAW is the one of the most popular graphics programs, but most laser engraving machines will work with a variety of other software. Remember that images with fine detail work better for laser etching than those with a lot of large solid areas, which generate more heat.
3
Select the type of glass to etch. Laser engraves less expensive, everyday-type glassware more smoothly than crystal. Crystal and certain types of high-end glass often have a high lead content, which retains too much heat for quality laser etching.
4
Prepare the glass for etching. Too much heat from the laser can cause large pieces of the glass to chip and crack that can result in a blurred image. To prevent this problem, spritz a single layer of newspaper with water and place it on the item before engraving. Another way to dissipate heat is to apply a thin layer of dish-washing liquid on the glass.
5
Check your machine's operating manual for specific machine settings for etching glass. To avoid creating too much heat, reduce the engraving resolution and the laser's pulse rate to about half the default values.
6
Laser etch the glass. Rinse off any residue from the newspaper or the dish-washing liquid and you should have a professionally etched glass product.
