Ruby Footed Etched Water Goblets (set Of 4) Recipe

Inspect and clean goblets

Examine each ruby goblet for chips or cracks. Mix warm water with clear dish soap in the small plastic container. Use a lint-free cloth and the warm soapy water to wash the goblets thoroughly, removing fingerprints, dust, and oils. Rinse with clean warm water, then wipe dry with a lint-free cloth.

Wipe each goblet with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to remove remaining oils. Allow goblets to air dry on a clean towel for at least 10 minutes before applying stencils.

Prepare workspace and safety

Work in a well-ventilated area on a covered, flat surface. Put on nitrile gloves and safety goggles. Lay out all supplies so they're within reach. Keep a container of clean water nearby for quick rinses.

Prepare stencils

If using vinyl adhesive stencils that come on a sheet, weed the negative areas (remove excess vinyl) with the orange stick or dental pick so only the design remains. Use the transfer tape to lift each prepared stencil from its backing and position it on the bowl/upper stem area of each goblet where you want the etched pattern to appear. Press the stencil firmly onto the glass, smoothing from the center outward to eliminate air bubbles. Use masking tape to secure edges if the goblet curvature makes adhesion uneven.

Final cleaning of stencil area

Once stencils are applied, wipe the exposed glass areas again gently with a small cloth dampened with alcohol to ensure no dust or oils remain on the exposed design areas. Allow to dry for 1–2 minutes.

Apply etching cream

Put on fresh gloves. Using the silicone or foam brush, apply a generous, even layer of glass etching cream over the exposed areas of the stencil so the cream fully covers the design and edges (approx. 1–2 mm thick). Do not apply cream to areas covered by the vinyl. Work carefully and avoid getting etching cream on the rim or base if those areas are not to be etched.

Wait the recommended time

Follow the etching cream manufacturer's instructions for dwell time—commonly 1–5 minutes depending on product strength and desired depth. For most etching creams, wait 2–4 minutes. Keep the goblet steady and do not touch the cream during this time.

Rinse off cream

Once the dwell time is complete, immediately rinse the goblet under running lukewarm water while wearing gloves. Use the soft-bristle brush if needed to help remove cream from textured edges of the stencil. Continue rinsing until all cream is gone and water runs clear.

Remove stencil

After rinsing, gently peel off the vinyl stencil and transfer tape. If any adhesive residue remains, use a cloth with a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to remove it. Rinse and dry the goblet thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.

Repeat for remaining goblets

Repeat the stencil placement, cream application, dwell, rinse, and stencil removal steps for each of the remaining goblets. Allow each finished goblet to dry completely before handling further.

Buff and inspect

If desired, apply a very small amount (about 1/8 tsp) of food-safe clear wax or carnauba paste to a microfiber cloth and lightly buff the rim and the etched area to enhance clarity and protect the finish. Buff until the surface is smooth and free of streaks.

Inspect each goblet for uniformity in etch depth and cleanliness. If some areas appear faint, you may reapply stencil and repeat the etching process, but be cautious—multiple etchings deepen the frosted effect.

Care instructions: Hand wash etched ruby goblets gently with mild soap and warm water. Avoid abrasive pads or harsh detergents. Dry with a soft cloth. Do not place in dishwasher to preserve the etched finish and ruby color.