A good place to start in making your decision is to know the different processes in both sandblasting and laser engraving on glass or crystal.

 Sandblast Etching (Sand Carving)

Sandblasting is a general term used to describe the act of propelling very fine bits of aluminum Oxide or Silicon Carbide at a high air pressure to etch the surface of crystal or glass.

To etch the crystal or glass, the abrasive is blasted onto the crystal surface lightly to cut your text or logo right into the crystal or glass. The depth of the etch in sandblast is deeper and more noticeable than laser with a richer, and much more dimensional presentation.

Sandblasting gives the best and sharpest cut to glass or crystal.

The sandblasting is done by hand in a sandblasting cabinet, making each piece a true work of art.

Laser Etching

Laser etching involves using a laser beam to etch the design into the glass or crystal.

Machine-operated lasers are run by computers. Computer software is needed so the pattern, size, depth and location can be programmed into the computer.

The results of the laser etching on glass and crystal is not as sharp, it has a more fussy appearance.

It is a faster way to etch, but the dimension of the cut is not as great.

Glass Etching Fever uses only the means of sandblasting on glass and crystal. We do laser engraving on acrylics and plastics with wonderful results, but our choice for glass and crystal etching, we prefer the means of sandblasting.

                                                                                                                       -Jan Rossing