Abstract A method of etching glass, and particularly relatively large glass plates, to provide art form panels. A material resistant to acid, such as asphaltum, is applied to a surface of the glass plate with the exposed portion of the surface constituting the pattern to be etched. The backside and edges of the plate are masked with a coating of an elastomer covered with an acid resistant material, such as asphaltum. The panel is placed in a bath of hydrofluoric acid having a concentration of 20 percent to 30 percent with the surface to be etched facing downwardly. During the etching process the bath is maintained at a temperature of about 80*F and the panel is maintained in the bath for the desired period of time to obtain a deeply etched pattern. After etching the panel is removed, neutralized and rinsed with water.
The method of claim 1, wherein the bath is an aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid having a concentration in the rAnge of 20 percent to 30 percent by weight.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, and including the step of maintaining the glass article in the bath for a period of 17 to 24 hours.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said glass article is a glass plate having a front surface to be etched and having a back surface and having edges connecting the front and back surfaces, said acid resistant material being applied to the edges and the back surface to completely cover the same.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
170 words
A method of etching a surface of a glass plate having a first surface, an opposed second surface and edges connecting said first and second surfaces, comprising the steps of applying a pattern to the first surface of the glass plate with an acid resistant material, the remaining exposed portion of said first surface constituting the area to be etched, applying an acid resistant material to the edges of the plate, applying a coating of an elastomer to the second surface of the plate, applying a coating of an acid resistant material over said elastomer on said second surface, positioning the plate generally horizontally in an aqueous bath of hydrofluoric acid having a concentration in the range of 20 percent to 30 percent by weight and facing said first surface downwardly within said bath, maintaining said plate in said bath for a period of 17 to 24 hours to cause said acid to attack and etch the exposed portions of the first surface, and removing the plate from the bath.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 5, wherein said bath is maintained at a temperature of about 50*F to 100*F.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 5, wherein said acid resistant material applied to the edges of the plate comprises an acid resistant tape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 5, wherein said acid resistant material is asphaltum.