Acid-Etched Stash Jars

As canning jars are usually on the plain side, I decided to do something to dress them up

Canning jars are commonly used as storage containers for Cannabis, as they are glass, reasonably priced, have well-fitting lids and come in a variety of useful sizes. As with other clear stash containers, once filled they should be stored in a dark location - such as a drawer or cool, dry closet - to prevent light damage.

While very functional, canning jars are also usually a bit on the plain side, so I decided to see if I could do something to help dress them up. I liked the results, and thought I would share. Glass etching is a technique commonly used to etch wine glasses to commemorate special events, such as weddings.

WARNING: The acid cream has acid in it. Gentle readers, keep it off of your skin, and away from things you do not want to be acid-etched.

The materials used were: a small jar of glass-etching cream (purchased at a craft store), some etching stencils (also bought at the craft store), a few clean glass canning jars, a couple of wooden craft ('Popsicle') sticks and a pair of disposable gloves.

Follow the instructions on your particular acid cream, but the general process is to:

Make sure the area you are applying the design to is very clean; if in doubt, wipe down with alcohol first and allow to dry.

Carefully apply the stencils for your design, or use blue painter's tape to mask off lines and patterns. Small areas tend to look better than large areas when acid-etched, so avoid large voids in your patterns.

Put on the gloves. Using a craft stick, carefully apply small amounts of the etching cream to the areas you wish to appear 'frosted'. The areas should be well covered, but do not use enough to cause dripping. Quickly wipe up with water any drips that do occur. I have found it helpful to return in a short while and disturb the surface with one of the sticks, again mixing around the cream.

Wait as per the instructions, five minutes or so. I have not found a drawback to leaving on the cream for an extra minute or two to make sure it has 'taken'; whereas if the cream is taken off too soon, the pattern may be too light.

Remove the stencils, and rinse with water until clean. Dry and admire. If it comes out well, impress your friends with it!

Glass etching does not make your jar work any better; it does not have any function other than the aesthetic. Sometimes it is worth making things a little prettier, or a little nicer, just because you can - even if it is just a canning jar you use for your weed.

Peace, love and puka shells,
Grubbycup