The paste is a dilute floride based product. The thickener prevents splashing, and the low molar strength makes it safer to use than hydrofluoric acid.
The only problem with the paste is the etch can look patchy. Some areas more frosty than others. Reapplication doesn't always solve the problem.
Commercial glasses etch differently depending on the chemical composition of the material.
Most shops use sandblasting equipment. A fine grain of aluminum oxide with produce a lightly textured frost, closest to an acid etch.
Silicon carbide is much harder, and knocks very small chips out of the glass. (Easier to see with a magnifying glass.) Silicon carbide grit is better for deep carving. |