Etching Slate Using Armour Etch Tutorial

We have all seen beautifully etched slate in the stores or online, they often come with a huge price tag too. I am not surprised as it looks so beautiful. This tutorial is going to show you how to create beautiful etched slate which can be any design your heart desires. I have had so much fun personalising slate coasters for my children. They were a hit with them too so I am going to show you how without to create your own withou the huge price tag, well that is if you have a Cricut or any other vinyl cutting machine. 

List of Equipment

• Cricut 
• Vinyl
• Transfer Tape
• Slate
• Armour Etch
• Hair Dryer
• Craft Paint Brush

First of all you need to find a design that you would like to etch onto slate. For this tutorial I decided to use my blog logo. You'll need to upload it to Design Space and ensure it is a cut file. I am limited on the size I can cut as I only have the Cricut Joy, it allows me to cut up to 10.5cm in width which is perfect for slate coasters but requires extra cuts if you are going to do a placemat slate.

Vinyl choice is very important, I have found a thicker vinyl works the best for your template. Slate is often ridged and it is important that you ensure the vinyl goes deep into all the crevices. I have used Cricut Smart Vinyl for each one. I had a few in a bundle I had bought when I purchased my Joy and I don't use it on my other crafts. I highly recommend using Teckwrap Matte Transfer tape to transfer your template as it is very low tack. The vinyl doesn't adhere to the slate that well initially, so a lower tack transfer tape will work the best for you.

Clean any loose slate pieces from your slate and transfer your template onto the slate and carefully remove your transfer tape. I always heat up the vinyl using a hair dryer and press into the crevices using my thumb. Take care to not burn yourself during this process as the slate will get very hot. This process ensures your etching cream does not penetrate underneath the vinyl. 

I like to apply two coats of etching cream, the instruction only say you need one. However, I have found the design stands out much more when I have applied two coats. For the first coat apply an even yet, generous amount in a dabbing motion rather than applying it like paint. Once it is all covered set a timer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes wash off the etching cream using the brush you applied it with and dry. Reapply the etching cream and repeat the process. 

Remove your vinyl and wash your slate one last time. Allow it to dry and your design will magically appear before your eyes.

A Few Tips

Very thin lines do not etch well and are not visually pleasing.

If you are using text, always check for the inner dots of your letters and that important dot over an i, it is often those that go missing or wash off after the first wash.

Don't go for elaborate designs on your first try, unless you are a sucker for punishment.