How to Create a DIY Etched Mug for Father's Day

 

Surprise your dad with a personalized gift this Father's Day by making a DIY Etched Mug with the help of a DIY machine. It's a thoughtful and practical present that is sure to put a smile on his face. Follow our step-by-step instructions to create a beautiful etched mug that is unique to your dad. So, let's get started!

What do you need?

• Glass Mug 

• Vinyl (Color doesn’t matter)

• Application Tool

• Transfer Tape

• Etching Cream

• Brush

• Gloves

• Electronic cutter (cricut explore, silhouette or other cutter)

• Cut File

What do you have to do?

• Start by opening the design in your software.  Size it accordingly and place a rectangle around the design to create a stencil.  I made the rectangle almost the same height as the mug to make positioning easier.  Cut out the vinyl with your machine and remove the excess vinyl.

• Cut a piece of transfer tape a little bigger than the design. Place it over the vinyl and smooth it down with an application tool.

• Trim off excess transfer tape and backing.  Trim right along the vinyl on the top of the stencil.

• To make it easier to put the vinyl on straight, we’re going to use the hinge method. Then, place a small strip of vinyl (or painters tape) over the transfer tape.

• Then, position the vinyl decal on the mug.  Match up the straight edge of the stencil with the straight edge of the mug.

• Once everything is centered and straight, press down on the vinyl strip.  This should hold everything in place.

• Separate the vinyl and the backing and then cut off and remove the backing.

• Use an application tool or scraper to press the vinyl into place.

• Remove the positioning strip of vinyl and then remove the rest of the vinyl backing.

• Press down the rest of the vinyl and rub over it several times so it sticks to the mug.

• Carefully pull off the transfer tape. Rub over the design one last time.

• Apply a thick layer of etching cream over the design. Just kind of dab it on.  Don’t brush back and forth. It should be thick enough that you can’t see the stencil through the cream.  If you have gloves, you should wear them.  If you don’t, make sure you don’t touch the cream at all.

• Leave the etching cream on the glass for about 5 minutes.  When the time is up,  rinse off the etching cream.  Use plenty of water and wash thoroughly.

• Once you’ve washed off the etching cream, you can pull off the stencil.  I think the vinyl comes off easier if I let hot water run over it.

And a personalized gift for dad - done!

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