Traditional sandblast engraving is a precise, hand guided process used to cut permanently into the surface of glass. Each piece is engraved individually in our Fife workshop, using a technique refined over more than a century.

From fine linework and lettering to crests, insignia and complex artwork, each design is prepared specifically for the glass on which it will be engraved.

What Is Sandblast Engraving?

Sandblast engraving uses a controlled stream of fine abrasive to cut into the surface of the glass. Guided by hand, the process produces a crisp, matte finish with subtle tactile depth.

The abrasive removes a fine layer of glass, creating a permanent engraving that will not fade or wear away. The depth and finish can be carefully controlled to accommodate fine lettering, detailed artwork and different glass forms.

Our Engraving Process

Each engraved piece passes through a series of carefully controlled stages, from design and artwork preparation through to stencil making, sandblasting and final inspection. The design stage begins separately, with supplied artwork, references and ideas prepared specifically for engraving.

Explore the Design Stage →

  • A close-up black and white photo of a hand holding a pencil, drawing on an ornate wedding invitation design for engraving

    Artwork Creation

    Each design is prepared as black and white artwork, with detail adjusted for the scale and form of the glass.

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

    Film Preparation

    The finished artwork is printed onto transparent film to create the engraving stencil.

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

    Stencil Exposure

    Photoresist film is exposed using the prepared artwork, transferring the design onto the stencil material.

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

    Alignment

    The position and scale of the engraving are checked against the individual piece before the stencil is applied.

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

    Stencil Application

    The developed stencil is applied to the glass and carefully secured around the engraving area.

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

    Sandblast Engraving

    Fine abrasive is directed through the exposed areas of the stencil, cutting the design into the surface of the glass.

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

    Washing

    The stencil and remaining resist are removed, revealing the newly engraved surface.

  • A close-up of a person wearing white gloves holding a transparent glass plate with engraved with a personalised poem

    Final Inspection

    The finished engraving is cleaned and inspected for clarity, consistency and finish.

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

What the Process Allows

Sandblast engraving allows fine linework, lettering and detailed artwork to be cut cleanly into the surface of the glass. The stencil can be applied across curved and angled forms, while the depth of engraving can be controlled according to the design, glass and intended finish.

The same process can be used for individual commissions and larger production runs, with each piece prepared and engraved by hand.

Person holding a whisky glass with molecular structures on a blurred background

Care & Process

Sandblast engraving is an analogue craft, shaped by experience and carried out by hand. John brings over forty years of engraving expertise to every piece. From first proof to final polish, each commission is prepared and engraved in small batches in our Fife workshop.

Related Work & Reading

1 4