etched tinted glass question....

[vance galliher]

I've done alot of glass work, but this present work is presenting something new to me. I'm etching some large green tinted (Alantica) 1/4" glass panels. After etching, I move the panel to my water bath area , hose it down and wipe with a scrub pad Pat Mackle told me about....like a schotbrite on a handle. Even after several washes, I'm still getting a fine dust remaining on the glass. The tint is thru the glass, not just the surface. Does tinted glass do something when etched that I don't know about ? The problem is when touched , it really leaves a mark, like a dust trail....... unlike etched clear glass...I can't get the "dust" out !! Any ideas on resolution ?......this is major casino work !......thanks. (HaHaHaaaaaaaaaa ......I'm so happy I love chanllenges.) Pat, is this time for the Kiwi Leather spray ?

[Patrick Mackle]

Vance,
I think it's that pure clean Oregon water, you need to come down here and try some L.A. water, it'll disolve away that 'ol glass dust.
But seriously, several weeks back during our conversation, I mentioned that blasted glass will tend to relieve itself and continue to "shed"
for a period after sandblasting. It sounds like you are rinsing and pad scrubbing directly after blasting. The fact that it is green tinted glass probably
creates greater contrast of the remaining bits of glass.
Also, remember that I told you that after two goes with the scrubber, to wipe the moist, not flooded panel with a brand new sponge that has been very well rinsed to remove any of the propelyene glycol preservative, or it will streak. The scrubber loosens the dust and the clean sponge NOT MORE RINSE WATER gathers up the glass frit. (IF you bite the sponge you will sense the fine glass frit it collects between your teeth as proof. Follow the sponge with a final rinse and light squeegee (as discribed below)

{I hope this isn't a super rush job and that you can allow a day between etching and washing to see if that makes a difference, it should be easy to tell on that tinted glass.
I would not attempt to apply the silicone until you have omitted the dust residual strokes.}

How are you drying the glass after the wash and scrub and sponge?
Any paper or cloth towel will lose fibers on the "glass tooth" of the blasting and appear dusty. Of course it is easy to see if you are causing it because they will be in the same
pattern as your wiping.
I use a professional window squeegee made by Ettore, available at Smart & Final.
Only apply enough pressure to cut the excess water, excess pressure will deposit rubber marks. I finish up with an electric leaf blower. If it's a sunny day you don't need the blower.
I know this sounds like there should be an easier way, but this is the only way I've found to get it perfect and the proof is the frit that is collected on the sponge, which otherwise
would stay on the panel with normal scrubbing and cleaning.