The process of decorating cold glass by removal of material can be done in several ways: direct engraving (wheel engraving and etching) or indirect engraving (acid etching and sandblasting). Sandblasting consists of using compressed air to project sand through a nozzle in order to cut more or less deeply into the body of the glass. The decor is carved by this high pressured projection of sand, while the surfaces to remain smooth are protected by a “stencil”.

The process was invented in 1870 in the United States by Tilgham and requires compressed air and a sandblasting cabinet. Today sand is no longer used but rather corundum, and special adhesive films for the protected areas have replaced skin glue techniques. Depending on the dimensions of the piece to be engraved, different sized pressure cabins can be required, into which at times one enters wearing a protective suit.

Many young artists today such as Ghislene Jolivet continue to explore the aesthetic possibilities of sandblasted engraving.

MATCHAM JOnathan, DREISER Peter, “ The Techniques of Glass Engraving”,Batsford LTD, Londres,1982 BRAY Charles, “Dictionary of Glass Materials and Techniques” A§C Black, Londres1995 OLIVIE Jean-Luc, PETROVA Sylva, “Verres de Bohême 1400-1989”, Flammarion, Musée des Arts décoratifs, Paris, 1990