Traditional sandblast engraving is where craft, precision and a lifetime of experience meet. Unlike surface etching or modern laser marking, this technique creates a deeper, velvety finish that becomes part of the glass itself. Each piece is engraved by hand in our Fife studio, using a method that has been trusted by glass artists for more than a century.

Whether it’s a custom monogram, a crest, a company logo or a personal message, sandblast engraving gives every design clarity, permanence and a touchable depth that feels beautifully refined.

What Is Sandblast Engraving?

Sandblast engraving uses a controlled stream of fine abrasive to gently cut into the surface of the glass. It is a slow, carefully guided process that produces a crisp, matte finish with real depth, detail you can both see and feel.

Because the abrasive removes material rather than marking the surface, the engraving will never fade, peel or wear away. It becomes part of the glass for life, making this technique ideal for heirloom gifts, commemorative pieces, corporate branding, and bespoke commissions.

Our Step-by-Step Process

Every engraved piece begins long before the first grain of abrasive touches the glass. The process is quiet, deliberate and entirely done by hand. Here’s a look behind the scenes at how your glass comes to life, one quiet, considered step at a time.

  • Digital engraving design displayed on a laptop screen in Adobe Illustrator, ready for stencil preparation

    Creating the Artwork

    Your design is redrawn as vector artwork to ensure every curve, line and letter engraves clearly. Whether it’s a hand-drawn sketch, a crest, a logo or a message, it is refined for the exact glass shape and size you’ve chosen.

  • Close-up of a printed stencil on clear film, ready to be transferred to UV-sensitive material for sandblast engraving

    2. Preparing the Film

    The final artwork is printed onto specialist film, which blocks the exposure light in all the areas we want to engrave.

  • High-pressure water rinsing a glass to halt UV stencil development and reveal the final engraving mask

    3. UV Exposure & Development

    The film is exposed under UV light, then washed at high pressure to reveal a perfectly cut stencil, a precise, clean mask that protects every part of the glass except the areas to be engraved.

  • John marking out stencil placement on a glass bowl using an eight-segment printed guide for precise alignment before engraving

    4. Marking & Alignment

    The glass is cleaned thoroughly and alignment marks are added to ensure perfect positioning. Every glass shape, from flutes to tankards, requires its own approach to achieve a consistent, balanced engraving.

  • John carefully peeling the backing film from a tissue-thin UV stencil after applying it to a glass bowl for engraving

    5. Applying the Stencil

    The stencil is applied by hand, carefully smoothed and burnished to remove any air pockets. This stage determines the sharpness of the final engraving, so accuracy matters.

  • John engraving a glass by hand using high-pressure sandblasting, wearing protective gloves for safety and precision

    6. Sandblasting

    Inside the engraving cabinet, abrasive is directed over the stencil. By controlling pressure, movement and depth, we build the engraving slowly. Shallow work creates gentle matte texture; deeper work produces bolder, sculpted detail.

  • Engraved glass bowl being gently washed to remove stencil, tape, and sandblasting residue after engraving

    7. Washing & Drying

    Once engraved, the stencil is removed and the glass is washed to lift away any remaining abrasive. The matte finish reveals itself fully when dry.

  • Brandy glass engraved with a stag surrounded by celtic knotwork on a dark background

    8. Final Inspection

    Every piece is checked by hand. Only once the engraving is crisp, even and beautifully finished is it prepared for gift boxing or dispatch.

1 8
close-up deatil of stag design etched usings sandblasting engraving technique

The Advantages of Traditional Sandblast Engraving

  • Permanent engraving that will never fade
  • Velvety matte texture with tactile depth
  • Clean edges and high-resolution detail
  • Ideal for text, monograms, crests and fine line work
  • Works beautifully on curved surfaces
  • Exquisite finish that elevates both modern and traditional designs
  • Suitable for individual gifts and high-quality corporate branding

This method is chosen by those who value craftsmanship, authenticity and longevity.

Why We Use Sandblasting Instead of Laser Engraving

Laser engraving has its place, but traditional sandblasting remains unmatched for craftsmanship and finish.

With sandblast engraving you get:

Crisp, elegant detail without pixelation

A soft, velvety matte finish that feels tactile

No scorching, burning or micro-cracks

A natural contrast on clear or coloured glass

Beautiful results on curved and angled surfaces

Permanent engraving that never fades

For designs that matter, those marking life events, celebrating achievements, or carrying personal meaning, sandblasting offers a quality that simply feels better in the hand and lasts a lifetime.

Bring Your Story to Life

Whether you’re marking a milestone, commissioning a logo for your business, or creating a one-of-a-kind gift, the best place to begin is here:

1 4

Your idea, our craft — engraved to last a lifetime.