Clean the surface of the glass item with soap and water. Rinse well and towel dry thoroughly.
Separate the stencil sheet from the frosted back sheet and put the frosted back sheet aside. Apply the stencil onto the glassware or surface with the sticky side down. Tape down the corners of the stencil sheet with small pieces of masking tape to secure it.
Rub the wooden applicator stick over your stencil design in up-and-down and back-and-forth motions.
Remove the masking tape from the corners of the stencil. Peel away the clear top sheet of the stencil.
Attach masking tape to the entire border of your stencil design. Take the frosted back sheet that you set aside earlier and gently rub it with the applicator stick over the stencil.
Apply etching cream over the entire stencil with a paintbrush. Be sure to stay within the taped boundaries. Leave the cream on for exactly one minute. Rinse off the cream with warm water. Remove the stencil fragments and masking tape.
Spray window cleaner over the glassware or surface and wipe clean. Allow the glass to air dry.