Frequently Asked Questions

Aero-Etch® is an etching, sanding and cleaning device for precise, targeted operations requiring a pressurized stream of air or abrasive intermix.

Aero-Etch® was originally conceived to introduce arts and craft lovers to a unique method of glass engraving known as ‘sandcarving’ or ‘sandblast engraving’. Along the way we discovered that our patented ‘mini-sandblaster’ could fulfill multiple applications, besides etching, on a variety of surfaces. Thus, the All Purpose Sandblasting Kit was developed to fulfill a wide range of possible uses for precision sanding, etching, cleaning and resurfacing.

Aero-Etch® can produce a fine surface etch on glass, crystal, wood, metal, stone, ceramic, and more. We do not recommend use on plastics.

Besides etching, Aero-Etch® is best suited for:

• Cleaning: removing old paint and rust, carbon build-up, dirt, corrosion, etc. from small engine and machine parts, electronic connections to restore power flow, and more.
• Sanding: for prepping small surfaces for painting, such as autobody detailing, model planes, trains, etc.  
• Refinishing:  for example, to resurface golf club faces in conformity with USGA regulations for the treatment of golf clubs.(see article)
• Dusting: When used without abrasive, Aero-Etch® can effectively remove dust, lint and particulate matter from small parts, keyboards, electronic connections, etc. with or without and air compressor. 

Aero-Etch® is designed for precise, intermittent use for relatively short duration spray times of 10 - 20 seconds. The performance capacity varies a bit depending on use with aerosol propellant canisters or when used with an air compressor by means or our special adapter. With propellant Aero-Etch® can provide approximately 12 intervals of 90 seconds each for a total of up to 20 minutes of effective abrasive spray time per canister. After 90 seconds of steady spray, the temperature of the propellant drops below freezing and needs to rest to warm to room temperature. (see Manual for more info) With an air compressor (0.5HP or higher), Aero-Etch® can provide up to three minutes of steady spray. Abrasive usage is limited to using 4 oz of abrasive at a time - after which refilling to 8 oz is needed. (see Manual for more info) One 12 oz canister of aerosol propellant and 8 oz of abrasive can produce enough power and abrasive spray to etch 12 -24 wine tumblers for instance, depending on the complexity of design - to clean 36 spark plugs, or to refinish a set of golf iron faces, depending on the condition of the clubs.The same can be accomplished easily when used with an air compressor.

There are many distinguishing differences between the Aero-Etch® system and other types of sandblast engraving equipment: Most other types of sandblast equipment made for the engraving industry cost thousands of dollars and are either unaffordable or impractical for the arts and crafts use at home. Aero-Etch® presents the opportunity to set up an in-home etching studio, based on the sandcarving method, for less than $500. Aero-Etch® has a unique, patented performance design which provides a more powerful impact than other “mini-sandblasters” using the same rate of air pressure (max 60 PSI). Aero-Etch® is powerful enough to be used with photoresist film stencils. Most other mini sandblasters are not and produce limited results when etching on glass and crystal. Perhaps the biggest advantage Aero-Etch® has over all other competitors is versatility: It can be powered with or without an air compressor. With aerosol propellant power, Aero-Etch® can be used out of reach of electric outlets, in all kinds of places, for short duration jobs, indoors or out, whether for etching, cleaning, sanding, or refinishing. With the use of our Air Compressor Adapter, you can tap into an unlimited air power supply, while relying on proximity to an electric outlet.

Sandcarving - aka ‘sandblast engraving’ - is a special method of engraving which propels a very fine, pressurized stream of abrasive granules toward a targeted surface area. It is the preferred method of engraving on glass and crystal by professional engravers because of the superior results in quality, clarity and depth that can be achieved.

Etching refers to surface engraving whereas sandcarving refers to deep-etch engraving. Aero-Etch® employs the sandcarving method to achieve the finest surface etching possible on glass and crystal to achieve remarkably crisp, clear results.

• For applications on glass and crystal, Aero-Etch® produces a sharp edge and a consistent bright frosted finish.
• Laser engraving on glass produces a dull texture and a slightly rough edge. 

• Etching Cream is an acid-based product widely used to create simple designs on glass. Etched images using this method renders an opaque image that blocks light.  
• The Aero-Etch® method propels fine granules of etching abrasive onto glass and crystal surfaces to achieve sharp, crisp designs in fine detail with a high degree of transparent clarity.  Aero-Etch® rendered images on glass and fine crystal catch the light which enhances  the quality of the glassware.  
• Aero-Etch® can complete sharp, crisp engraved images in fine detail on glassware in a matter of seconds; whereas, etching cream will take a few minutes to achieve less appreciable results. 

Aero-Etch® can be used with a wide variety of stencil types, pre-made or custom, dye-cut, laser-cut, vinyl cut, and photoresist, for example. Aero-Etch® photoresist custom stencils are designed specifically for use with sandblast engraving to capture highly detailed, artistic designs unattainable by other types of stencils.

The choice between Aero-Etch® stencils and vinyl cut stencils depends on the specific application and the desired outcome. Aero-Etch® stencils are ideal for creating intricate designs with fine details, while vinyl cut stencils are better suited for simpler designs with fewer details. Aero-Etch® stencils also allow for easier, faster prep time since the need for weeding out vinyl parts on the stencil is eliminated. There is a reduced risk of overall execution error with Aero-Etch® stencils.