The piece of glass is a tad over 8" x 11"
Okay I probably wont crack the glass - but theres no guarantees in life
I've taken your idea with the mica acid etch and if I can source the HYDROFLUORIC ACID I'll give it a shot rather than glue chipping as it is such a small area and I really want it to look shmick. And if I choose this technique I wont need to gild the area (not that I dont like gilding).
I saw the recent video of Dave Smiths and I understand the vinyl/screenprint/cut method and thats the way I'll go.
So I now have a few Q's
If I go the way of the mica acid etch will I silver over that area?
If not am I best to make a dam and silver around it ?
When I go to back the silver should I back the etch too?
If I dam it and need to back it should I use a colour that matches the mica? (makes sense doesnt it as it would give the mica more depth of colour)
So I'll run through my steps again
1. cover both front and back with vinyl,
2. screen print design on one side
3. cut out area to be etched
4. etch glass using Rick Glawsons method
5. wash the glass
6. screen print design on glass
7. silver glass
8. remove excess silver
9. back silver ?
10. add abalone using glass glue
11. seal the back (not sure what to use there)
thanks for your advice - obviously heaps better than groping in the dark
Meg