DIY Pantry Door Etching

Remove the pantry door with a screwdriver.

Place the door, face up, on two sawhorses. Clean it with glass cleaner using a fiber-free rag.

Trace the design you want with tracing paper.

Lay the contact paper or vinyl on a flat surface. Place graphite paper, dark side down, over the vinyl or contact paper. Place the traced design over the graphite paper.

Use a pencil to re-trace the design on the tracing paper. The design will be transferred to the vinyl or contact paper using the graphite paper.

Cut the design out of the vinyl or contact paper with a craft knife. If you want the design to be etched onto the glass, leaving the surrounding glass translucent, discard the remaining vinyl. If you want the design to be translucent but want the surrounding glass to be opaque, discard the cutout and keep the stencil you created.

Remove the backing from the contact paper or vinyl, and smooth the stencil or cutout design onto the glass. Use a craft stick to remove bubbles and wrinkles.

Place contact paper or vinyl on any other areas you do not want to become opaque. Protect the casing of the door by covering the edges where the glass touches the door with painter’s tape.

Put on chemical-resistant gloves to protect your hands. Pour etching cream onto the door, and spread it in a thick coat over any exposed glass with a paintbrush. Let the etching cream sit according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Use a hose to rinse the etching cream off the door. Remove the contact paper or vinyl and tape from the door. Use a cloth to dry the door. Hang the door.