What’s involved in point and stipple engraving?

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In its simplest form, glass engraving features a tool used to abrade the surface of a trophy, glass or other item to leave a mark. Multiple methods and tools exist to achieve this objective, ranging from the basic diamond-point hand tools to more complex machinery like lasers. In this blog, we’ll explore two kinds of engraving technique – point and stipple.

What is point engraving?

Sometimes referred to as “line engraving” or “scratch engraving”, this technique involves making marks on glass with a tungsten carbide or diamond point which is hand-held. The point is either held in the hand or at the tip of a scriber and scratches the glass surface to form a contrasting white line sparkling in the light.

What is stipple engraving?

Stipple engraving is never performed by a machine. Instead, an exceptionally sharp and hard point is tapped by hand on the surface of crystal glass. Tiny dots are produced and slowly form the design. To create a whiter surface mark, the dots must be as close together as possible. By varying the density of dots, engravers can produce a scale of tones, ranging from the black of the unmarked glass to the bright white of the areas which is closely engraved. The result is an ethereal and delicate effect.

Whether you need engraved drinking glasses for a gift or engraved glass trophies for a special event, reach out to our team at H Cooper Glass Engravers for fine quality work carried out by our in-house experts.

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