Glass Engraving Process

The particular technique of glass engraving I use is called drill engraving. I utilize a handheld rotary drill and small diamond burs to carve images into the glass.

Images can be carved into the glass in two styles: In cameo engraving, the background is removed leaving a raised image. In intaglio engraving, the image is deeply carved to create dimensions. The portions appearing closest to the viewer are carved deeper than the surrounding areas. Intaglio engraving can also be completed in reverse, on the backside of the glass, so that the viewer looks through the glass at the engraving.

Using water as both a lubricant and a coolant, the image is carved into the glass with diamond burs of various sizes, shapes and grits. The depth is then established, the edges of the engraving are smoothed out and details are added. Shading and polishing are created with the use of stone burs, rubber burs and diamond polishing pastes. The way the light is captured by the depth of the engraving, combined with the use of the various diamond grits and polishing tools is what produces the final mesmerizing effects of a glass engraving.