| There are a lot of people who love the matte | | | | something (wire would do), and just put them |
| look of handmade lampwork beads. Sometimes | | | | inside the confinement. Read the instructions on |
| people don't ask to have them etched, but realize | | | | the bottle you purchased, written there should be |
| when the beads arrive, that they'd like the aged, | | | | a time that it takes to etch materials. Usually it's |
| worn out matte look on them. Some vendors | | | | around 5-10 minutes, but just double-check in |
| give customers the options of sending the beads | | | | case it's something new and highly toxic. After |
| back and having them etched for free, but most | | | | that, use a plastic spoon to scoop up the |
| people do it themselves. If you want to etch your | | | | lampwork beads out and take them out. Have a |
| own beads, here are some useful tips. | | | | glass of soda nearby to put the beads in there to |
| First, a small jar of etch solution will be required, | | | | neutralize the acid - and do never take the beads |
| you can get these at your local craft shop. Ask | | | | with your bear hands prior to neutralization. |
| the store workers for glass etching solutions, | | | | And voila - you're done! The lampwork beads |
| they'll usually know what you mean. | | | | might have some white dust on them, but don't |
| Safety first. Once you have the solution, put on | | | | worry, it's easily removable with a toothbrush. |
| some disposable rubber gloves, open up your | | | | Just don't brush your teeth with it afterwards. |
| windows if you're in a confined space (just make | | | | Don't throw away the etching solution - there are |
| sure that you have ventilation - imagine that it's | | | | 2 reasons for that. First, you don't want to have |
| chemical cleaning - and you're all set to go. | | | | acid in your garbage, and second - economy. You |
| IMPORTANT - keep in mind that the etch solution | | | | can reuse the acid over and over for years and it |
| is acid, though it's easily neutralized by baking | | | | would work just as fine. Though make sure to |
| soda, so make sure to have that close by just in | | | | keep it outside children's reach. |
| case you spill the acid on anything. | | | | Main things to remember here is to never let the |
| The best thing to use would be a plastic bowl, | | | | etch solution touch glass or metal. Nor should you |
| after placing the beads inside it, pour the solution | | | | let it come in contact with cloth or skin, wash |
| over them so that they are fully covered. Or if | | | | immediately with baking soda. |
| you have the option, strap the beads on | | | | |