Chemical etching

A chemical reaction that alters or removes part of the glass surface or an applied coating, changing texture, clarity, or reflectance.

Meaning and boundaries

Etching is not the same as a removable deposit. A cloudy appearance alone does not prove that the glass substrate has been etched.

Why it matters in glass restoration

Diagnosis must separate material sitting on the surface from permanent surface alteration before selecting chemicals or polishing depth.

Related terms

• Hard-water deposit
• Stain
• Acid attack

References

• National Glass Association — Construction Site Protection and Maintenance of Architectural Glass
  Publisher’s original source
• Canadian Conservation Institute — Care of Ceramics and Glass
  Publisher’s original source