Etching is generally done on glass or mirror surfaces, with the aid of an abrasive material under moderate air pressure. The entire glass surface is covered with a rubber resist mask. The approved design is transferred to the mask and then carefully cut to expose areas of unmasked glass. This unmasked glass is then etched away to various levels to create dramatic effects.

Another glass and mirror treatment is glue chipping. With this method, a strong hide glue is applied to various areas of the etched design. During the natural drying process of the liquid glue, pieces of glass are surface-fractured, creating a Jack-Frost appearance in the glass.

These two methods together with goldleafing and painting lend themselves to unique possibilities.