How NOT To Etch A Tempered Glass PC Side Panel!

[@TastyPC]

I do think that the results that I was getting would match a build theme that has a weathered/apocalyptic theme, so would work for a Metro Exodus build for example! So perhaps it wasn’t a complete failure :) What I really hoped to try but didn’t get chance to in the video, was a pattern that spanned the entire glass side panel. (Obviously with a high percentage of non-etched glass though, so you can still see the build well through it), so hopefully I’ll get a chance to if I end up making a part 2.

[@falcon_three_fifty]

Having a part two with results that you're happy with would be gratifying! wouldn't it?

[@hakdaman]

hey the only way to get better is to TRY

[@falcon_three_fifty]

@hakdaman: Agreed! That's my point.

[@153SCORN]

Thanks for the Video Lauren. You might want to try cut a Frosted sticker (vinyl) with your machine. Then stick it directly onto the glass. I think it reflects the light in the same way. And you can always remove and replace with a new design.

[@D3ATH-W15H]

What about clear frosted vinyl on the inside of the window, could look similar to this www.impactsigns.com/frosted-glass-vinyl-graphics-privacy-film/

[@SianaGearz]

I never etched glass, but if this was my set of first results, i wouldn't call it incompetent, i'd call it a remarkable success.

[@RichDasix]

I feel the same, these look awesome and I'd be happy to have these results.

[@stevewatson6839]

Exactly my thoughts.

[@2ShotsDown]

Lauren make more videos, anything you want to do I'll watch it. They don't all have to be amazing top tier quality. Even studio tours/updates would be appreciated

[@TheAxiys]

i second this, id much prefer quick lower effort video than no videos :p

[@GeloOfficialPR]

Third!

[@Captain_Maigan]

Fourth!!

[@Roger101Watson]

I think Lauren would struggle to ever release anything sub par, it's just not in her nature. I understand where you are coming from though and I would also like to see a bit more content.

[@Irohbro]

They also don't need to be pc related.

[@psychtech2024]

Bravo! This was real!! So many KZbinr's fake results or shy away from difficult projects in which they are not experts. Being brave enough to show your struggles gives me a great respect for your work. Keep it up!!

[@arnoldnym2466]

Sure, it didn't work to your standards but I think it's not incompetence. On the contrary, your video clearly shows that this is not your fault. I liked the video - very thorough and with a good sense of humor.

[@zayneb5053]

Arnold Nym well said Mr Reese

[@circuitman298]

Its not incompetency if your learning. Also don't be so hard on your self if you look closely at many of the etched side panels they are rarely perfect. The goal is to get them to look great from a couple of feet away since most people will be looking at them from that distance. GL on your next try!

[@chrisafp071]

The most successful people aren't the ones that don't fail, they're the ones that never give up! Always have loved your channel, very relaxing and an interesting topic. Plus you got to learn the hard way and I can most likely avoid this product because I'm willing to bet my attempt would be worse haha

[@Na0uta]

I think it was a great idea to upload this. Though you may not have found the root of the issue. Many other people frantically searching for information on the subject, will at least know they're not the only ones that have a problem doing this. It's kind of an encouraging video if you think about it.

[@ericlyus]

10/10 for effort Lauren. The results had nothing whatever to do with incompetence. Keep the videos coming more frequently please.

[@falcon_three_fifty]

Lauren, your hard work in making your lighting awesome, does show through and is appreciated good work!

[@HuyV]

You definitely should have uploaded this video. It's really helpful information. I didn't know etching cream existed, but this literally gives me tons of ideas for my own projects, thank you so much. And your trial and error also gives us a lot of information about what can go wrong, and what we can do to maybe solve it together as a community. You compiled a good amount of cause-effect relations we can build upon. Definitely do upload more of these videos :D

[@johntotten4872]

I found the video helpful personally. Makes me want to etch the glass on my case. Trust me, I have done many projects in life and failed misetably but I learned from it and moved on. Great video thank you Lauren.

[@falcon_three_fifty]

you're not demonstrating incompetence, you're helping people who are having the same problems that they are not alone. :) :) :) GO TEAM VENTURE!

[@vdevov]

I’m a massive fan of “maker” videos. Videos that show the process of trial and error, which make the final outcome feel more deserved than any other than may show a “perfect” process. Things that come to mind are Alec Steele, Simone Giertz, Tested, Linus Tech Tips, etc. Please continue. No matter the outcome. Still very pleasing to watch someone else go through the very human process of trying to figure things out. It’s great to have you back.

[@FlyBoyBigBlue]

What not to do is just as important to know as what to do. Thanks for showing your trial and error regardless of the outcome, thus far. I feel like you're technical and logical enough to figure out something that'll eventually give you good results. Good luck getting there sooner rather than later Lauren. :D

[@dixonsoftwaresolutions5031]

I've always preferred these "learn with me" type of videos over the perfect montage videos. I watch videos about my hobby because I want to learn and be inspired at the same time. Great video!

[@maneeshpatel1594]

Whether or not it met your high expectations, I think you're a wonderful artist.

[@Slugg-O]

Anything learned is worthwhile. I've never etched glass but after seeing the trouble you had I might try the following: 1. Use less heat (no harm to the vinyl) and stir it really well, not only to get the lumps out but to make sure any chemicals in the cream that may have separated due to storage are well mixed. 2. Try another etching cream. 3. Instead of pouring it on use a a narrow paint roller, the kind used for trim work, with deep pile to apply it quickly and evenly in one stroke.

[@RandomUser6947]

Incompetence ? Nah, I didn't even know this was possible. I learned something new. Thank you ! And by the way, don't be so hard on yourself. Your videos are always worth watching. Let your creativity run free, people will watch it, don't worry. :-)

[@CyberClu]

Wow, this brings back memories of Junior High School art class, where I learned how to etch mirrors. We did it the old fashion way, by taping a piece of carbon paper over the contact sheet, that was on the mirror, then placing the picture or clipart we wanted, over that. And finally the tracing of the image, and cutting out the pieces of contact sheet paper. We used hydroflouric acid (the stuff smelled and had the color like brown sugar), which as you did, we warmed up for a while. And used a small paint brush. Fun stuff. I think you did an awesome job. You just seem to be a bit of a perfectionist on this level.

[@GothGorgon69]

I began to miss that gentle and sweet accent in my ears, and suddenly, Tasty PC just uploaded a video 40 minutes ago, thank you very much Lauren!

[@born2fragothers]

Thank you for the upload. Regardless of the end result it's a lesson for everyone. We really appreciate all the small details and the fact that you share them. I wanted to use this product for more than half an year now but it was to expensive to import. So i decided to wait it out and maybe ask a friend when visiting the states to get it for me. I wouldn't have thought for 1 second that someone could get a bad batch. We are lucky that you tested it out and shared your finding. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to see more videos !

[@skunkwurkz]

This certainly isn’t a failure. 👍🏻 What you’ve done is provide some excellent insight into what is clearly a difficult process to get right. So very well done for the most credible piece of KZbin content I’ve seen in a long time. I can’t wait to see more quality videos like this from you soon. 🤘🏻👊🏻

[@benloud8740]

I could listen to this voice all day. Seriously. Please record a 12 hour video

[@bevis1528]

God no. The dry mouth noise sent chills through my ears. Could be my headphones.

[@Reasonably-Sane]

I enjoyed watching this. I find it interesting to hear the thought processes of other people who are trying to solve a problem. That etching cream seems difficult to work with, but I thought the end result looked good!

[@falcon_three_fifty]

The mental image I have in my head of you fighting in the clone wars ended up looking like a scene out of Sucker Punch.

[@thatolbeelzebot]

I appreciate showing your errors trying to do this correctly, I'm prepping to do an etch project and this was very helpful particularly about the acetone (more than just for cleaning bongs!)

[@shadow-r3852]

Hello Lauren I am not certain why you are so critical of yourself. Even if you upload a "display of utter incompetence" please remember that it still helps other people. For example: I never had an idea that this kind of thing existed. Therefore my abilities would already be kickstarted by this video. Failing at something still contains valuable information about what you're doing. So: please upload everything and anything you document - maybe you can make a secondary channel devoted to failure to take a little bit of pressure off of yourself. Anyway: I really liked this video - great production as usual. Sayonara! Shadow

[@LanceOperative]

Been a fan for a few years now, love all you videos, we all make mistakes, we all love to see what others have tried even when failed because someone somewhere will try what you did because no one showed them it was the wrong way and they will go through this pain to, but regardless of what your content is, upload it, we all love to see it, this stuff really helps a lot of people out there, but we as your subs/fans love to watch your content, you make great videos and they're always very informal, keep going, Keep up the good work, I know you put a lot into your videos and I know you went through a bad patch within the last 2 years, just keep your chin up.

[@jasonsaez3668]

Hi Lauren! So glad to see producing again! This was an eye-opener! I never really thought about etching my own glass, but those designs are awesome regardless of the patchiness. I think it adds a unique authenticity to the design. Love your thinking outside the box!!!

[@z77jabbjaw]

All the way from California just listening to ur voice and is very relaxing and the video quality is top notch. It's a treat to see a video pop up now and then from tasty pc

[@xellaz]

Good to see you're still around! I still have the Antec PC Case I won from your channel a couple of years back! Time sure flies by... Keep it up! :D

[@C02Equinox763]

This kind of video is actually really useful, since it gives other people something to learn from, and helps with troubleshooting!

[@gcardinal]

I think you need to let it cool down before you apply it. Cream need to be cool in order for reaction to be slow - this way you will avoid initial patching. Hot cream melts / effects your stencil as well. However, what a great video - looking forward for more real DIY stuff from you! Thank you

[@johnshepard1904]

It's not a failure if you learn something new, Lauren. And I am glad to see a new video from you.

[@ashbickley]

I think modding is what you make of it, every case I've had has either been painted using spray paint and vinyl stencils/masking tape or just a straight vinyl application, I've even used painted acrylic sheets to hide cables in my mastercase. Every single mod has been imperfect in some way whether it's painting bleeding under the masking tape or even just the coverage not being 100% in some places, I've always been happy with what I've set out to do. Mod what makes you happy if your aiming for perfection or a 4 foot mod it's your rig at the end of the day :) You can also etch acrylic side panels using a card template and polystyrene cement (airfix glue essentially) just another idea :) glad to see another video :)

[@RiffHarvester]

Your videos are so well done! Even if you put half of the effort that you normally do, you'd still have a great video!

[@ajaythetek5345]

Glad to see you back uploading, especially considering I learned something from ya video, which I can rarely say in regards to the PC Enthusiast space on youtube nowadays. Keep em coming!

[@pozz941]

Where I work we sometimes apply lacquer on glass. Tempered glass often has a problem with some residue being permanently left on the side where it was laying on during the tempering process making painting it a nightmare. We solve this by simply painting the other side. I don't know if this is your case or if it applies at all to the etching paste. Your problem might still be in the transfer tape or not having yet found the optimal applying method, but since it is a sacrificial side panel it might be worth trying to etch the other side of the panel. You can also try using a method similar to screen printing: you put a generous amount of paste on the vinyl of the stencil without touching the glass an then with a sqeegee or a spatula you drag it on the glass uniformly. Also maybe try letting the paste cool down before applying it because it might make the edges of the stencil less sticky and lift them up. But I really think what you have already achieved is a remarkable result that I would be already fairly happy with, after all, it's the first time you attempt this, right?

[@killacamfoo]

Your channel is the most genuine I'm subbed to.

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

Never let the perfect be the enemy of the good. I think they all look nice. Having a variance is quite normal, that is true for car paint (even on very expensive cars) or any type of decoration or paint. So, it looks more than good enough for the purpose, stick with what you like best as result and keep experimenting. .... and keep making these nice video's!! :-)

[@privileged6453]

You’re back!! Very nice video as always and don’t worry about small mods, it’s still a video we al love !!

[@ggflowen]

The answer is always YES! Yes to more videos, yes to any subject matter, yes I'll always watch them.

[@blankface911]

I was JUST yesterday wondering where you disappeared to again! Glad you've uploaded again, thanks for showing me the process :)

[@dennisjensen9396]

I enjoyed the video, mostly the process, and definitely the angle of approach in regards to the issues at hand to get a satisfactory result. keep it up :)

[@Khazore_Blackreaver]

Thank you for your hard work and videos over the years. Please continue!! :)

[@G0UDG]

Welcome back Lauren don't be so hard on yerself you've done a great job on the etching, as others have said it's not easy tackling something new well done

[@an93lofdeath]

Don't be scared of failure, it is how we learn and grow as humans. Keep on keeping on.

[@LegitMeow]

I wonder if there's any way the surface of your tempered glass side panel could have caused the problem. The way they tinted it maybe?

[@krass76]

Well I sure am glad you uploaded this video! Lauren your videos don't need to be the toppest of quality, competence and professionalism. Save that for the reviews you do, they were allways spot-on. This is your channel, and even though it may not seem like it, the people sending out review samples are, like 110% of us, just blokes. You uploading regularly is a lot more worh than only uploading only the most serious and professional videos. You are allowed to have fun and, like you did in this video, get carried away a bit. That doesn't diminish the quality you are capable of producing in the slightest. You don't loose the ability to make a stupid unpainted cardboard box look worth paying 50 quid for. Or to give reviews as thorough, followable and well-structured as you did. So in conclusion: if in doubt, put it out. If the video is finished, at that point you're probably just worrying too much. And that is very normal, everyone has that. Only thing is: some learn earlier than others to overcome this fear. Right there is where part of your potential slumbers, hidden away. My 2.13 cents (inflation compensated). Have a nice day!

[@vishmonster]

I didn't even realize this was a possibility so even if you call it a failure (I wouldn't) it's still informative.

[@agnarkb]

Oh yay a new video! I just found this channel through the Barnacules live stream on Twitch. Been working my way through all the videos and loving them so far. Love your presenting style, calm, knowledgable and I can't wait to see more ^_^

[@oobenoob]

I find your videos strangely calming. Especially after a busy and stressful day. I'm not sure why.

[@Vandebirt]

Kudos for the superb editing, that is some Pro-Level shots!!!

[@Saubande1981]

You know what? I thoroughly enjoyed this video!! It was literally what a good scientific article should look like: You were interested in a problem, explained your methods and resources, discussed your results, came up with reasonings what caused you issues, tried different approaches, and gave an outlook on what you are going to do next. I very much liked the red line in all you presented here. However, I am very self-depricating myself and it makes me sad to see how little you think of your work, given the title and the last minute of the video. The edging didn't turned out as you wished, but it's a learning process, and from the video it can be inferred that you already learned A LOT. I know it is hard to get through to someone who puts himself down but in this case it is completely unwarranted. One is not born a master, it takes time, training, and patience. Good luck! EDIT: Nice! I am happy and relieved that you decided to change the title of the video :)

[@eddiea3782]

Excellent video Lauren. I loved it. This is the sort of thing I like to see. Things don't always go as planned. And Lauren..............I love your voice.

[@antronk]

Kudos to you for sharing! It's great to be able to learn from someone else's mistakes and see the process you went through. Please keep sharing! :)

[@meleecraft]

Lauren don't be afraid to post videos that you consider fails, or even, don't be afraid to fail. I fail all the time, in many aspects of my life, but i learned that in order to succeed at everything, we do need failure, after all failure is just another type of success the wrong kind, hehehe, have a blessed day

[@rcole134]

Never view you learning as incompetence. Always view it as what it is - growing in character through knowledge.

[@TheWarewolf911]

I'm a simple man, i see pc modding i press like

[@brokenstyx]

definitely want to try this! i'd never heard of it. i think don't worry about when to upload videos - when i find a cool channel i always go back and watch previous videos, it doesn't matter when they were uploaded :)

[@imadandylion]

I think these kinds of videos are actually really good. They’re interesting and helpful. Hopefully we’ll see a follow up soon with a bit more success

[@briandean1000]

All videos are worth uploading. Sometimes perfection is far from reality and we all consider that aspect. It was not a waste of time.... Good to see you!

[@at0mac]

Very honest video showing the strugles you went through, i really like it and learned something new because of this

[@UKgamer87]

After applying the stencil use the acetone to remove any residue from the transfer tape. Then once you heated the cream apply it and keep it moving for 6 minutes then leave it overnight and carefully remove the leftover stuff the following day. I haven't tried it but my advice is based on watching the video and some quick googling. I might try this on my 900d with a nice big assassins creed logo.

[@simonwells907]

Trust me you don’t have to focus so much on quality of these videos. Just make more of them please. You got dis.

[@benjaxtreme]

Wonderful way of going about learning a NEW skill, keep at it, eventually, you will be a lot better than someone who was taught the right way of etching without learning how and why some defects are created. Thousands of people enjoy for perspective on tech. Greetings and power to you.

[@infinite.improbability7917]

Definitely a valuable video, and please feel free to share both your successes and failures in the future. The best way to learn is through mistakes, even if they aren't our own.

[@leandrodrace]

Have you tryed heat on the glass instead? Could get different results. maybe some marks are heat transfer related?

[@Broadcast1Channel]

Wonder if the etch cream could be applied using a silkscreen method.

[@davidminor1254]

Great video Lauren! And welcome back. I missed your soothing voice.

[@dimpsmuldoon1430]

Lauren, I admire your persistence. If you have access to a laser the results will be perfect or if not, a local sign maker will do it with a vector or svg file, for a reasonable price.

[@HockeyDay]

It’s been too long, miss you

[@P3lusio]

Why u just not use white spray? Or gray to mach the color of the cream.

[@Romance_T]

I'm glad you uploaded it because i didn't even know this stuff existed

[@1Cichfishy]

Glad you're back with more great content! When making tempered glass, the surfaces, front and back, are made in such a way that a really hard skin forms during the manufacturing process. That could be why you're getting that slightly deeper etch mark from when you first start your pour/application. I've only etched on regular glass which would be a much easier project, just not very safe for a computer side panel.

[@amandaboxton6928]

What temperature was the fluid and the glass ? as cool glass will condence your breath vapour

[@TefensTech]

Excellent video! This was very informative and gives people a good idea of what to expect when working with this type of method and product. For myself I at least know not to use something like that on an important or customer's build if needing to etch glass in the future. I would much rather outsource it to be done properly than end up with a botched job. Thanks to your video you might have saved many people from wasting time and money & possibly ruining their project.

[@nnamdi5469]

Please upload more, I love your vids and will watch every one of them without fail.

[@handy5996]

Wow, I didn't know about that. I like the Idea with the glass etching cream on the tempered glass, to give the pc case a personal note from himself. Thanks for the inspiration! P.S.: and again, very good content! 💚

[@datboi4925]

Always love your videos no matter ehat (: ive moved on from pc modding to Car modding x3 but the struggles that you showed in this video apply. So many times ive spent upset or annoyed something wouldnt go on right with my car. But in time i fou d solutions or got it done! Just keep a positive outlook and kepp working hard !❤

[@gooseywhispers]

they look pretty damn good to me i doubt anyone would even notice minor flaws

[@BioToxin]

Others can learn from this so it's worth it, have you tried a drywall mud style spreader basically ensuring uniform spreading simultaneously, and you can fix the edges with double layered vinyl if you have precise cuts, perhaps try a blow dryer or heat gun in the first few minutes from underneath, if you have out to spare and protect the rest of the glass try adding a weight like squishing two panels together, though the last couple are wild guesses tbh

[@pr0xZen]

Transfer with this kind of adherence pretty much always leave behind residue. It might only be on the microscopic level, but that still matters when doing chemical treatments that requires properly clean surfaces. First off, I would suggest cleaning with 95‰+ acetone after removing the transfer paper, if the vinyl can take it. And do inspect afterwards, don't take a clean result for granted - there might be something left that acetone won't dissolve. The pour seems good, but what you could attempt if thats spending too much cream, is an improvised silkscreen over the stencil. Might need to give it a few tries to get good and even coverage, but that should also filter out any crystals so they don't make it onto the glass. Doesn't need to be a stenciled silk screen, just stay within the outer borders of the stencil.

[@gaspererjavec7108]

awesome video, this could help loads of people who want to do it. Im thinking of doing it myself now, and i want it even patchier

[@Starchface]

Great video Lauren! I think part of the problem is the tint accentuates any inconsistency. On clear glass I suspect it would be more than fine. It would be nice to see the stencil creation part too. You could make a video of using the software and the machine in operation.

[@minbari73]

Thank you for inviting us around to see your etchings.

[@selockh]

Great video, glad to see you're back! Now I want to do this to my case.

[@01eocoe10]

This was really interesting. I'd try a foam brush. I think that the cream is reacting with the glass where it touches it, and then it needs to be mixed on the surface so more can take its place. While a brush does the job, I would expect "brush strokes" to appear similar to painting. However, when you're doing touch-up painting on walls, you use a foam brush to mask the strokes. The pores of these brushes are smaller than the other sponge you used, so I think it would give you nice uniform mixing. They also have the added benefit of being less than a dollar from a hardware store!

[@Na0uta]

Great to see you've uploaded again. Was starting to worry we'd ever see your content some more.

[@KyrosX27]

I just got back to a country with decent internet so I had a whole month's backlog of youtube videos, hence my late comment, lol. I'd honestly say the attempts were fine. The texture and edges were alright. If anything it was the weird concentrated dots that was more problematic, which you fixed by heating up the cream. I think you did pretty well and the results weren't as bad as you said. Keep it up and looking forward to more from you! Good luck!

[@Caincard]

Have you tried a silk screening style process? Start your build up on the vinyl, using a squeegee or flat bladed putty scraper that is wider than the void. That way it evenly distributes the cream across the surface in one swift motion.

[@TechyMantis]

I enjoyed this, if you ever watch linus tech tips you will know that it doesnt always go to plan but they still show it. Just keep trying as you will find a way to get the look you want.

[@DartJedi]

Very helpful video, Just because no one raises there hand in the class does not mean that there are not people wondering what is going on. I was looking for glass etching videos when I found this. Gave me a lot to think about. I am also going for a full etch on 2 panels and I was thinking of trying this cream, even though I think I have used it before a long time ago, with similar results that you had. This has helped so Thank you. Maybe you have mastered this, in which I would love to see a video even just explaining what you did. My only thoughts would be maybe cleaning the glass again after the stencil is applied ( cant with acetone or alcohol though, will eat the vinyl) so I am at a loss to what with. And maybe warm the glass a bit before applying the cream, since the cream and the glass are at I am guessing 2 vastly different temps could be the cause of the pouring impression. If I try this and use a different cream or get a result without some of these issues i will try and send you a note. Thank you again.

[@jthompson120db]

just watched a video on someone doing it, turned out alright and all he did was apply a liberal layer of it horizontal over the entire design, then vertical, then as well diagonal with a brush. It wasn't a thick layer and he kept applying it nearly for five minutes then let it sit for a couple of seconds, and make sure your edges around the design are pressed down so you don't get the bleeding edges.

[@DAZZMCMXCVIIII]

Interesting video Lauren and good to see the challenges in getting these kinds of mods applied. Currently re-modding the Corsair 600T myself to include white cables, RGB Corsair fans, memory, lighting strips and vinyl logos. It’s the old SE White case. Had it years and still can’t part with it due to its futuristic stormtrooper looks :) Keep up the great work and look forward to seeing your RGB memory video!

[@MetaRook]

I’m glad you posted this! Now I know more about this process

[@yourfriendlyneighborhoodjinx]

Honestly I think the uneven patchy ones look pretty good. Obviously it works for a weathered look but I think also for a more rugged durable look it also works

[@JasonMohammed]

I think many many many years ago I had to place a design on a t-shirt. I would sandwich the t-shirt into a sort of wooden contraption. I poured the colour above the design and then pulled a wood piece downward, thus scraping the color over the t-shirt in one thin and even coat. I think maybe you should try a similar technique of placing like a blob of the stuff above the design, then pulling the cream over the design with a flat scraper. I can guess these things require a consistent layer on the design, of consistent thickness. Agitating the cream as you did initially, and then pouring as blobs created uneven sections, so areas with more cream stand out. I don't think my suggestion is the ultimate method, but rather my suggestion is specific to the type of cream you are using. I wouldn't doubt a more expensive cream allows for more inconsistencies.

[@asmraccount898]

This was great! Help people to not make the same mistakes. Failing is how we learn.