Traditional sandblast engraving brings together craft, precision and experience. Each piece is engraved by hand in our Fife studio using a method refined over more than a century.

From monograms and crests to company marks and personal inscriptions, every design is translated into a clear, balanced engraving, prepared with care and finished with intention.

What Is Sandblast Engraving?

Sandblast engraving uses a controlled stream of fine abrasive to cut into the surface of the glass. It is a slow, carefully guided process that produces a crisp, matte finish with clean, tactile detail.

Because the abrasive removes material rather than marking the surface, the engraving will not fade or wear away. It becomes part of the glass itself, making this technique well suited to heirloom pieces, commemorative work, 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 deliberate and carried out by hand. Here is a look behind the scenes at how each piece is made, one considered step at a time.

  • Hand-drawn design for a wedding engraving with 'Mrs' and date on paper

    Creating the Artwork

    Your design is redrawn as vector artwork so every line and letter engraves clearly. The artwork is refined to suit the exact glass shape and size.

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

    Preparing the Film

    The artwork is printed onto specialist film, blocking light in the areas to be engraved.

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

    UV Exposure & Development

    The film is exposed under UV light, then washed to reveal a precisely cut stencil. This creates a clean mask that protects the glass, leaving only the areas to be engraved exposed.

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

    Marking & Alignment

    The glass is cleaned and alignment marks are added to ensure precise positioning. Each glass shape, from flutes to tankards, requires a tailored approach to achieve a balanced engraving.

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

    Applying the Stencil

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

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

    Sandblasting

    Inside the engraving cabinet, abrasive is directed over the stencil to cut into the glass. By controlling pressure, movement and depth, the engraving is built with a soft matte finish or deeper, more sculpted detail.

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

    Washing & Drying

    Once engraved, the stencil is removed and the glass is washed to clear any remaining abrasive. The matte finish becomes fully visible once dry.

  • Person wearing gloves holding a transparent display plaque with engraved text

    Final Inspection

    Each piece is checked by hand. Once the engraving is crisp and even, it is prepared for gift boxing or dispatch.

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

Advantages of Traditional Sandblast Engraving

  • Clean, high-resolution detail
  • Soft matte finish with tactile depth
  • Suitable for text, monograms, crests and fine line work
  • Works well across curved and angled surfaces
  • Consistent results across individual pieces and larger runs
  • A considered finish suited to both modern and traditional designs

This method is chosen for its clarity, control and reliability.

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, the process is deliberate and unhurried. Each commission is prepared in small batches, with careful attention given at every stage. This is the opposite of mass production. It is slow craft with purpose.

Why We Choose Sandblast Engraving

Laser engraving has its place. Our work is shaped through traditional sandblasting, a slower, hand-guided process that allows for greater control over the final result.

With sandblast engraving you get:

Clean, high-resolution detail without pixelation

A soft matte finish with subtle tactile depth

A surface free from scorching or micro-marking

A natural contrast on clear or coloured glass

Consistent results across curved and angled forms

For pieces that carry meaning, this approach offers a level of clarity and control that reflects the care taken at every stage.

Begin Your Commission

Whether you are commissioning a personal piece, a corporate design or something entirely bespoke, begin here.

1 4