Ericjgidney 0 Posted March 18, 2013 I etch mirrors using a Dremel and diamond bus and also sandblasting. I was wondering how much I should charge? Any help would be great. Thanks in advance Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lueman 19 Posted March 19, 2013 I would factor the average amount of time to do a job as an expense , then add in material & location expenses and then a profit. Never go below your total expenses no matter how much that is. If it's very high then sell the work on quality, value & uniqueness. And by the way don't sell yourself short, it's not everyone that can do what you do. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ericjgidney 0 Posted March 19, 2013 Expense is not that much considering that the attached was done on a $1.00 mirror and a paper stencil. While the attached is not a great picture of my work as the lines are normally crisper. Can you give me an idea on what I could possibly charge? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ericjgidney 0 Posted March 19, 2013 States file to big will attempt to upload later Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xpaperman 719 Posted March 19, 2013 I don't be seein' no pictcha........ Don't forget to attach the photo :-) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ericjgidney 0 Posted March 19, 2013 Here is the picture Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coaster36 327 Posted March 19, 2013 I think only you can figure that out. You have a niche and have to price it to what the market will pay. Find a craft show and bring a few mirrors and set a price, if you get a bunch of people walking away when they learn the price lower it a few bucks. Make a brand and raise the price. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xpaperman 719 Posted March 19, 2013 and why are you trying to use a paper stencil? As you see it cause 'non crisp' lines. When I do my etching I cut my stencil out of vinyl and use that. Makes for good crisp lines. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lueman 19 Posted March 19, 2013 I agree with Coaster36, only you can price that out, but remember there are hidden costs: with today's high gas prices a drive to buy that $1.00 mirror may cost you $2.00 in gas and $5.00 in travel, If you do a lots of prints price your work averaged out to 12 pieces, 100 pieces etc. OK, I've never been one to not take a risk when there's a good chance I can get my head chopped off - If you framed it out as a one color print $20-$30 depending on the frame without the frame maybe $12-ish?? BTW:How did you get color into the glass?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ericjgidney 0 Posted March 19, 2013 I used a paper stencil just because I received my air eraser and was basically trying it out. The old way was with a Dremel and diamond bit. Much more time consuming and much more money on the bits. I am waiting on my vinyl cuter and once that arrives I will be good to go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
xpaperman 719 Posted March 19, 2013 Oh, I see. That makes sense. I remember when I got my air erasure..... I was in the garage all night etching stuff. I have a feeling if you end up doing a lot of items with the air erasure you are going to want to move up to the cabinet. I already have. You can find them at Harbor Freight and Tractor Supply for about 99 bucks I think. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OWJones 1,981 Posted March 19, 2013 If you're going to keep etching glass you're definitely going to want to move up to a cabinet - unless you like wearing a respirator, that is... Glass dust is silicon and inhaling it leads to silicosis of the lungs which is not good. Dust masks will help - some - but you should consider investing in a decent respirator if you don't move up to a cabinet. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites