Design/Etch By Richard Smith
Unique art work can be created
by using etched glass and mirror panels.


A four-masted barque on mirror

  • Description of image: The four-masted barque is sand etched on the rear surface of bronze mirror, using a hand cut resist (stencil) which allows for the fine detailing shown. The rigging lines change from etched (where they cross portions of mirror) to non etched (where the lines cross over another part of the etch). This substrate has a pleasing bronze hue - especially when back lit the etch picks up this tint and creates an effective display.
  • Size shown: 30" x 16" (76 x 41 cm) 5 mm bronze mirror
  • Frame shown: 2.5" (6.5 cm) oiled mahogany, with red felt between the mirror and the frame to avoid rattling.
  • Cost: Is totally dependent upon the complexity of the chosen image, size and what is to be included (i.e. the frame, colouring, substrate type etc.) The shown piece (etched, framed, and suitable for backlighting) would cost $500 US.

    Click on the picture to download a larger image (56K)


  • A Greek soldier - on guard

  • Description of image: The Greek soldier is sand etched on the rear surface of the glass, using a hand cut resist. This is an example of two stage etching, where the armour and helmet details were etched first, using a high air pressure, and a larger size aggregate. The lighter areas then had the resist removed, and were etched using finer aggregate and less air pressure. When framed, the image was backed with a black matboard, with the result of producing a Wedgwood effect. One interesting effect of using clear glass for etching is the ability for the image to be edge lit; this allows the etch to pick up the colour of the glass (in this case green), and appear quite luminescent.
  • Size shown: 10" x 14" (25 x 35.5 cm) 5 mm glass
  • Frame Shown: Natural oiled Oak
  • Cost: Is totally dependent upon the complexity of the chosen image, size and what is to be included (i.e. the frame, colouring, substrate type etc.) The shown piece (etched, framed, and matted) would cost $175 US.

    Click on the picture to download a larger image (42K)


  • Japanese Haiku and bonsai against the Moon

  • Description of image: The image of the bonsai tree, moon, and clouds was specifically designed to enhance the Japanese Haiku. The haiku and image is sand etched on the face of the mirror, using a hand cut resist. This is another example of two stage etching, where the clouds and moon were etched using a low air pressure, and fine aggregate. The Haiku was etched using coarser aggregate and more air pressure, creating a deeper and more bold etch. With the etching being done on the face, the mirror reflects the image (particularly the Haiku) and creates a distinct double image; this adds a very interesting effect to the panel making it seem almost 3D. (Some of this double image can be seen on the larger image.)
  • Size shown: 10" x 14" (25 x 35.5 cm) 5 mm mirror
  • Frame Shown: Natural oiled Oak
  • Cost: Is totally dependent upon the complexity of the chosen image, size and what is to be included (i.e. the frame, colouring, substrate type etc.) The shown piece (etched and framed) would cost $185 US.

    Click on the picture to download a larger image (75K)


  • Panels used for unique framed works of art can be etched: On clear Glass,
  • Matted with fade resistant matboard or fabric, and framed
    On clear or coloured Mirror,
  • Etched on the face or back, or a combination of both
  • Framed for a special wall hanging, (with or without backlighting)
  • Used as a ceiling medallion, with lighting above; or as a narrow floor to ceiling wall accent
  • Quotations with an accompanying image are very suited to this art form
  • Photos and line drawings (even portraits) can be converted into etched images.


  • E-mail me with your ideas, and sizes. I'll quote you on the cost of supplying the etched panels or inclusive of a frame

    Because of the method of sand etching glass, I must use a new resist with each etched piece. It is impossible to remove and reuse a hand cut vinyl resist, or a photoresist because the vinyl is cut in place on the glass, and the photoresist is glued onto the glass - both are ruined during removal.


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