below are several samples of artwork showing the difference between standard glass etching and the dishsoap and newsprint technique.

upper text etched normally; lower text etched with dishsoap and newsprint treatment.

this was just a quick and small example and it doesn't show the usual occurrence of getting an etch that looks like it has fingerprints on it or uneven etching. if you're getting that, this dishsoap treatment is almost guaranteed to get rid of it.

below is a string of special characters - the top row was etched normally, the bottom using the dishsoap method.

several of these characters show the clarity that this dishsoap method offers. look at that "i" information symbol!

below is a part of thumbprint art - the left was etched normally, the right using the dishsoap method.

I swear I'm not photoshopping anything. nice, eh?.

ok, so what is this method? just take straight dishsoap (undiluted) and rub it with your finger across the area of glass you're going to etch. cut a piece of newsprint or blank newsprint paper big enough to cover the area you're going to etch. dip this into water, let it finish dripping, then place over the area to be etched. use the same glass parameters as usual and etch.

Notes: glass is clear glass sitting on black felt. light source is from the left.