I thought Id take u thru my steps for the candle:
First you make a sketch (try doing it with pencil then going over with a fine black pen), i found it was easier to just draw straight onto a blank reusable stencil
Cut it out with an exacto knife and separate.
Then put the portion of the stencil u want onto the glass (its self stick). use masking or painters tape to cover any areas close to the stencil. Then cover with etching cream (use gloves and well ventilated area)
let it sit between 30-45 mins
then remove the etching cream (gloves still on) and the tape, immediately rinse the stencil and set aside to dry. use glass cleaner to clean the etched area. It may make the etched area transparent, but this will change when it dries.
If you still want it to look brighter u can put some silver or gold rub n buff on it and wipe immediately. If you dont like how it looks just clean it away with more glass cleaner.
Your etching will be permanent. You can also buy premade stencils like these:
