Prepare a Proper Workspace for Sandcarving

Tables for product preparation and cleanup and/or color application help make up a complete glass etching venue. One to two 8-foot tables are a good space, and if you are going to do a lot of color application, a spray booth may be a good investment (about $350). Access to water will facilitate the clean-up process since photoresist floats off any substrate once submerged for a short time.

Your preparation area needs to be a clean space away from blasting activities. Your table needs to be covered with carpet if you are applying stencils to glass objects. This helps you prevent scratches on glass as the glass is cushioned by the carpet and any small debris items will fall into the nap of it. A couple of tape dispensers help in the preparation of items to be blasted as well as a roll of cling wrap. The most common items used are paper towels or wipes and a glass cleaner without ammonium. Large trash cans help keep your work area clean.

I mentioned two tables: use one as a clean table for preparation and another, in a separate spot, for cleanup, which may mean some abrasive can be present.

-Ruth Dobbins, Professional Glass Consultants