Glass Etching Options 

Glass Etching can be defined as the technique of creating artistic images on a piece of glass. It means to make art on the surface of glass by applying acidic, caustic, or abrasive substances. Glass etching is the abrading or roughening of a piece of glass in selected areas in order to produce a design. It is a way to produce a "frosted" design on the surface of a piece of glass, or it can also be used to carve a design deep into the glass. There is also a technique to produce a shaded design that looks like delicate airbrushing, but is permanently etched in the glass. People desire Etched Glass because of it’s beauty and practical application; able to be used for its aesthetics and window or glass wall covering. The etch will continue to allow light in, as it covers the glass window or wall, providing privacy.

The technique was originally used in 1867 on an etching at Bankfield Museum in England, but by the 1920s, it gained popularity when a new mold-etch process was invented, in which art was etched directly into the mold, so that each cast piece emerged from the mold with the image already on the surface of the glass.

There are two major ways in which glass etching can be done. One of them is Abrasive Sandblasting, a common technique for creating patterns in glassware, leaving a "frosted" look to the glass. High pressure air mixed with an abrasive material cuts away at the glass surface to create the effect. Some of its popular techniques are-

* Surface Etching: So named because you are only etching the surface of the glass.

* Carving: Called carving because you actually blast, or carve, deep into the glass, giving a three dimensional etching.

* Shading: the elements in the design are blasted to different apparent shades of gray (hence the name Shading), rather than to the solid white color produced in surface etching.

* Combinations techniques: this gives the ability to do the best and most sophisticated etchings possible by using each technique for its strengths and avoid its weaknesses yields beautiful results by combining etching with other glass working techniques, like Stained Glass, glass blowing, etc.

The other technique is Chemical Etching. Instead of sandblasting the glass, there is a chemical process that will produce similar results. Typically, "glass etching cream", available from art supply stores consists of fluoride compounds, such as sodium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride. The fluoridation of the glass causes the rough, opaque qualities of frosted glass. Advantages of this process are that it is easy and simple and doesn’t require the equipment for abrasive etching.

Glass etching is a beautiful and elegant method of creating a graphic design on the surface of an otherwise smooth piece of glass, although it can be used on textured glass, as well. It is permanent and will never come off. Etched and carved glass has become extremely popular, being seen almost everywhere in upscale restaurants, hotels, banks, theaters and homes.

The typical areas of application of the glass etching are architectural products like windows, doors or whole entryways in homes, restaurants, hotels and office buildings. Interior decoration products include cabinet doors for all types of cabinets from china cabinets to gun cabinets, table tops from dining tables to end tables, room dividers, fireplace screens, etc. Etching can also be found on awards, corporate gifts and promotional products like glasses, mugs, decanters, carafes, vases, bowls; paperweights, crystal and regular glass sculptures and glass blanks, and gifts.

Almost any glass item found in any gift shop, department store or import shop can be etched.

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Read here to know more about glass etching cream and more.  

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Intermediate Glass Etching Class When it will be held on: October 11, 2010 at 5:30 PM Where it will be held at: Puskarich Public Library Who will be. 

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Awesome Stencils For Etching Glass Or Metal

Most people see a beautifully etched-glass design in a fancy shop or on a shower door in an expensive custom built home and wish they could afford to do something like it. Maybe you’ve been to a wedding where the bride and groom had custom champagne glasses made. Maybe you wanted to etch all of your power tools with your name. I’m sure you have seen glass or metal coffee mugs with a custom logo engraved on them. Have you ever wished you could do that?

If you have ever looked into ordering custom glasses you will find that there are so many charges. You can’t just get 2 champagne glasses or 5 mugs. You have to order a minimum quantity, usually 50 or more. Then you pay an extra fee to have your design created and made into a stencil. The company you purchase from then wants to hold you to a exclusive contract for providing those items. You do not get to keep the stencil you paid for; They keep it under lock and key. If you ever want to get more items engraved with that stencil you are stuck going through that company and paying whatever they want to charge or you have to pay another company to make a new stencil. Yikes!

The solution is to make your own. In the past, making your own stencils to etch-glass with was time consuming and difficult. Once you had a design, you had to print it on strong paper. Then you had to use an exact-o knife and very carefully cut out the design. One slip of the knife and you had to start over. It was tedious job and a major strain on your eyes, hands and neck. And after all that work it was only good for a few applications!

I’ve been in the etching business for over 41 years and I decided that there had to be a better way. I studied different materials and designs until I made a break-through. Now you can create your design on the computer using any graphics software you prefer and print it onto a transparency. Then you use my custom designed unit to make a permanent universal stencil that can be used for both glass or metal etching. There is no limit to the designs you can make.
In fact, these stencils can be used with water-based acrylic paint for putting your design on practically anything. I’ve even used them to make custom t-shirts for my grand-children. If you just need one stencil contact me because I can make your custom stencil for you i 1000 n my shop.

There are so many great crafts one can do at home but few can actually turn into a business. Etching is both a fun hobby and a money-maker. Many of my customers start out etching as a hobby but soon find that their friends, family and neighbors love their work and ask them to etch things for them. My family loves the etched ornaments we send out each Christmas. What could you do with it?

By: Dean Marshall

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Come see our large selection of Glass Etching Kits and accessories at www.glass-etching-kits.com. Visit us online at www.martronics-corporation.com today.

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There are limitless possibilities with making customized stencils, you’ll be amazed at it’s results on Etched Glass window, doors and more.

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Glass Etching Cream – A Creative Hobby Anyone Can Adopt

Glass Etching is a great, creative hobby anyone can adopt, and Glass Etching Cream makes it even easier. These creams are inexpensive and can help you unleash your inner creativity. You could create many beautiful kind of items as gifts or for use in your home decor. This cream is a key part of the process when you want to personalize glassware to your liking. The cream uses a special diluted variety of substance called hydrofluoric acid, it lightly eats at the glass surface allowing the process to start.

What Can You Create?

With the use of this product the process can get even easier than you might think. You can use this process to create delicate designs on your wine glasses and other glasssware. There’s no limit to what kind of glass you can apply on, and you can use glass etching cream to experiment with a variety of techniques.

You can make figurines or create detailed designs in glassware, not to mention making your own personalized glass ornaments, nameplates or custom mirrors. You can also use acrylic paints to add a dash of color in your glass etchings.

Use Stencils to Save Your Time

You can also create or purchase stencils so you can create themed glassware or just use favorite designs again and again. By saving stencil designs on your computer you can save time instead of trying to recreate them on your own every time. Just print your created designs on some durable film-like paper. That way you can keep using these stencils in your various creations.

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Are you wondering what acid is used to glass etch? 

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ARMOUR-Armour Etch is a permanent glass etching cream for use with the Rub ‘n Etch Stencils or follow instructions on bottle to create your own design. 

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Etched Glass Block For a Window Wall Or Gift – The Possibilities Are Endless

Why have a generic glass block project when you can have a one of kind design? Many people know that block come in wavy designs and can be used for a window, shower, or wall, but they don’t realize you can customize your blocks with unique images and patterns to have a personalized look at an affordable price.

With the use of a sealed beam laser process intricate details, designs, and patterns can be etched into the glass surface to turn an ordinary project into something special. This process can be used to create a structural window or wall, directional sign or even a personalized glass gift. Learn 5 steps on how to take advantage of the laser etching option.

Step 1 – Determine where you want to use the Etched Glass block – What’s unique about etched blocks is their ability to be used as a structural building element for a window, wall, or as a gift or award for a friend, neighbor, or team.

To create an Etched Glass block window think through where the product will be used. The most popular uses include basement, bathroom and kitchen windows. Most finished basement windows put the etched glass design on the inside so it can be enjoyed while watching television in a man den or recreation room. Some of the images chosen have been replicas of sporting interests, teams, hobbies, pets and floral patterns. Bathroom windows can add a nice interior design touch by either mirroring or contrasting the surrounding style of the room. A popular use in kitchens is to play off either the architectural theme of the room (for example a Traditional, Tuscan, or Contemporary design) or to go with a fruit or vegetable theme into the blocks.

An etched glass block wall can be an exciting place to put an entire mural over a grouping of blocks or spot in individual blocks. For mural applications it is preferable to use smaller joints between the blocks so the design in the image appears as one. Walls are popular for waiting rooms and lobbies to include a corporate logo and to move light through the interior of the office or in partition or shower walls for a private residence.

Laser etching a bank, vase or solid block also makes a unique gift. Popular uses include weddings, anniversaries, baby showers and for awards. Any combination of text and image can be included in the blocks with either custom or stock designs. The vases make nice centerpieces for events, and the banks make excellent gifts for kids.

Step 2 – Do you want a custom image or standard pattern – For personalized gifts, awards, logos, or wall murals the custom image is the obvious choice. In many cases though a stock image will capture the look and not require an image from a customer. In the stock series there is a Contemporary Group of patterns with designs called Hypnotic, Frank Lloyd Wright, Psychedelic, and Pentagon. An entire Floral Series and Traditional Series is a nice fit with more conservative decorating. The Earth Series has patterns with sunbursts, raindrops, butterfly leaves, and pavers for either outdoor or indoor applications. If you’re a sports or pet lover there is several choices to choose from in the Hobby and Pet Lovers Series.

Step 3 – For a glass block window or wall should you use a single or multiple block pattern? Since block murals are laser etched together as one assembly (so the design continues from one block to another) it is best to have the joints between the blocks closer together for window or wall applications. With this fact in mind it’s important to consider the material that will be used to join the blocks in conjunction with the choice of whether a single block or multiple block etched design will make the most sense. With the single blocks you can create a stripe through the wall, a checker board pattern of blocks, or just randomly insert the etched designs in the window wall.

Step 4 – Consider using color glass block or dichroic glass units – For additional style consider adding color or mirrored finished dichroic glass to a window, wall or shower design. Colors for the blocks are virtually endless and even the ends, corners, and angle blocks can have etching and coloring combined. Dichroic glass appears like a reflective mirror finish on the blocks and the light is both reflected back and transmitted through the block. When you change your viewing angle on the dichroic units the colors actually appear to change.

Step 5 – Determine the best method to install the window, wall, shower or directional sign- There are several methods used for glass block installations. Probably the hardest way to install is block by block since it requires the highest skills level and takes the most time. A more common installation method now is with the use of prefabricated glass block panels. Pre-made wall or window sections can be constructed with or without vinyl integral spacers between the blocks. The vinyl stack spacing system provides increased wall rigidity and permits the use an anchor to tie the panel to a surrounding wall(s). Vinyl frames can also be used with the windows to provide a nailing flange (or fin) which makes the block installation much easier in framed openings. Consult a glass block specialty fabricator for the best method to use for your particular project.

Now that you’re equipped with these 5 steps you’re ready to design your own etched glass block window, wall, shower or gift.

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Clean area to be etched with glass cleaner – Remove the blue stencils from the white backing paper and apply to the outside of window glass in the desired locations. 

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Hard Water Deposits on Glass

What is hard water in the first place? Water that is classified as "hard water" typically contains calcium or magnesium and/or bicarbonate alkalinity.

If hard water is left to dry on the surface of glass such as shower doors and windows, minerals will be left behind. This is typically not a problem if the deposits are removed immediately using a light acid base cleaner.

Each time hard water comes in contact with the glass, it will build a new layer of mineral deposits. If not cleaned off, the layers will build to a white, chalky or cloudy looking film. Over time, the deposits slowly start a process called etching. Etching is when the minerals start a chemical bond with the glass. When this happens you will find that most cleaners are not very effective in the removal process.

When regular acid base cleaners will no longer completely remove the mineral deposits you know the glass has been etched. Etched Glass is considered damaged glass and usually cannot be repaired.

Prevent your windows or shower doors from becoming damaged by mineral deposit etching. First you need to start with a new or clean glass surface that is free from any debris. Then coat the surface of the glass with a coating such as Rain X. This barrier will help keep the minerals from creating that tough chemical bond with the glass.

When you notice that the deposits are starting to build again clean it off right away with an acid base cleaner. Rinse, dry and apply a new coat of glass sealer. This process may have to be repeated throughout the year depending on how hard the water is and how often it comes in contact with the glass.

Click here more free tips on hard water deposits, or visit http://do-it-yourself-window-cleaning-tips.com/.

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 Visit here for more info on etching on Glass Supplies.

You can also check this out for information on designs on Etched Glass.

Glass Etching Blog 

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Etched Glass: Etching Beauty

Etched glass is a wonderful gift to give those that you love. The method of actually etching the glass can be done by you or by a professional. No matter who does it, by digging into the first layer of the glass, a shine and detail can be added to the glass, transforming it from a simple gift into something truly beautiful. But, why should you add etched glass to your list of things to purchase and give? There are actually several ways that this type of method can dress up your gifts and create a very unique and special look.

Etching can be done on many types of glass and other materials. For example, if you want to dress up the look of a mirror, you can etch the glass in a pattern. In a circle framed mirror, etch an intertwining vine long the edge of the frame, leaving the center completely open for viewing. It adds texture and depth to the look so that you get a more interesting piece to hand on your wall.

Etched glass can also be an ideal way to add element to your framed pictures. You can use etching to dedicate a picture or message. Or, you can use etching as a way to communicate with others the date and time of what happens in the photo. You can etch a poem onto the glass that is only visible if you really look for it. These things can help to transform an average piece of glass and an average frame into a meaningful, beautiful sentiment to the memory being depicted.

You can find professionals that sell ready made etched glass products. You can also find a number of different products on the market to purchase to help you to create your own etching. Whatever you do, find a way to create a beautiful image with the help of etching. You will adore all that it can provide to you.

Author: Chad Barker

For more observations about picture frames from Chad, click the link.

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 Visit here if you want to know about Glass Supplies for lampworking.

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How to Create Etched Glass in Homes

For many owners like myself, having an etched glass effect for some of my windows and glass doors is a necessity. There are many areas where privacy is required and having such a glass will help us resolve the problem. Most of us would just employ a group of professionals to help us do the job or we could buy some etching cream by ourselves and try do it on our own.

It is definitely possible to etch a glass on our own by using etching cream. What you need is some patterns, contact paper, some carbon paper for tracing purpose and other simple tools. Get hold of your kid’s coloring book or download some clip art from the internet to get some ideas on the patterns.

The first step of the etching process is to ensure that your glass is thoroughly clean. Then, use the carbon and the contact paper to trace the pattern. Very carefully, cut out the pattern with a utility knife. Etching cream may be bought from many hardware stores, and it should be applied over the pattern with a foam brush. They may also be applied using paper towel.

The cream can be extremely acidic and you should always wear latex gloves and long sleeves shirt when working with them. Secure the pattern over the glass with some adhesive so that when you are applying the cream, it will not move. Do not be stingy with the etching cream and always apply thick layer to ensure that end results are uniform.

Then leave them for around fifteen minutes for curing. Use running water to wash off all the cream. Carefully remove the contact paper and you will have your etched glass.

Applying etched glass window film is another popular alternative to create etched glass without all the mess of using etching cream. Etched window film is self-adhesive and in no time, you will transform your glass door or window to look as if it costs hundreds of dollars.

Another advantage of using these types of vinyl films is that it can be easily removed and reuse on some other areas. On the other hand, the first process as highlighted above is a permanent process and is not reversible.

In the market today, there are many designs and patterns that you may choose from. Its economy and ease of application is making it a popular choice not only among home owners, but among interior designers and architects too. If you intend to install them in shower enclosure, check with the manufacturers if they can withstand heat and moisture.

All the available designs may be very tempting, and you should choose those that meet its intended functions. You may buy it through online but check on the reputation of the producer beforehand. A reputable manufacturer will be able to give you a minimum warrantee period of three years.

Using etched glass window film is definitely the easiest and most convenient way to transform ordinary glass to etched glass. The glass film comes in many types of designs and is self-adhesive.

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There are alot of stencil designs in Glass Etching, you can even choose to make one yourself. 

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How to Make Lampwork Beads

Making lampwork beads is actually a form of ‘glassblowing’, though in this case there is no actual working of the glass by ‘blowing’. As it is unlikely that you will have the tools to get started just lying around the garage, so here is a list of what you will need to acquire to get started:

* Torch and gas hoses
* Fuel tank(s) (either MAPP gas or propane/oxygen set- this choice will depend on your torch)
* Kiln or annealing oven
* Mandrels
* Bead release
* Glass rod
* Shaping tools (graphite and brass implements work best as they will not melt)
* Long nose pliers (for stringer work)

The process is simple in theory; one simply heats the glass rod at the edges of the torch flame, and slowly works towards the center of the flame until the glass is nearly molten and applies it to a mandrel (this is a long, steel rod) that has been treated with bead release (otherwise the bead would be permanently melted to the mandrel upon cooling). The mandrel is rotated to collect evenly distribute glass from the rod. When the desired size and colors are achieved, the beadmaker can add decorative elements through the addition of ground up glass or stringer (more on this later). When the bead is finished, it is allowed to cool to the point where it is no longer glowing, and placed in the kiln or annealing oven to cool very slowly. The annealing process is very important as it removes stresses that working molten glass causes in your beads. Skipping the annealing process will result in extremely fragile beads that break under the slightest pressure. Once the annealing process is finished, a simple cleaning of the beads will make them ready for artisan use.

Stringing- the process of creating glass strings by pulling molten glass with a pair of pliers to create a thin strand of glass.

Remember to be extremely careful throughout this whole process, as you will be working glass at extremely high temperatures, so be sure to use glass rods of adequate lengths- at least four inches between your hand and the heated end of the rod should keep you safe, though more length is always recommended. Also, keep in mind that hot glass looks like cold glass, so be mindful of where you place the glass rods you have been working.

Want to know more about Lampwork Beads?
Check us out at: http://www.lampwork-beads.org!

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Visit here to find out more of discounted Glass Supplies. And click here if you want to find tips on glass polishing and supplies.

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New Craft Stencil Maker!

Have you ever wanted to put your very own design on something? Have you ever been frustrated by the boring stencils you find in the store?

Now you can make your own stencils for all of your crafts using your own designs. Now you can do all the hundreds of stencil projects that you have always wanted to do but put off because you didn’t have time "cut out" the stencils or to look all over the internet to find just the right pre-made stencils. Now you can "Forget" all the searching for just the right stencil and definitely "Forget" any "Cutting Out" with Exacto Knives. That OLD Way is completely Gone FOREVER. Now you let your Computer do the work. And now you can do it in just seconds and you can do extremely intricate or very simple artwork in the same amount of time and your stencils are REUSABLE and you can use them over and over on hundreds of different projects.

These New Craft Stencils can be used with any color water based acrylic paint and you can paint on almost anything including wood, paper, plastic, cardboard, glass, metal or anything that will accept paint. Also these stencils are perfect for using with Glass Etching cream to etch your designs on glassware, awards, ornaments, glass gifts, etc. You will really Love the absolute simplicity of this new Stencil Making System and the low cost will make it easily affordable to almost anyone.

Here is how it works. Simply use your computer and create any Design, Text or Artwork you wish and then copy it onto a sheet of transparency film (which comes in the kit). Next use this film and place it on an "undeveloped stencil sheet" and expose it in the New U.V. Stencil Maker for about two minutes. Develop it and in less than 5 minutes you have a stencil with your own Artwork and Ideas on it that is reusable and you can use over and over with Paint, Ink or Glass Etching Cream to create projects that you have only dreamed of before. What is more this system is so easy and inexpensive that almost anyone can do it and produce projects that look very "Professional".

Here are a few examples of things you can Now easily do. You can Etch Glass, porcelain, ceramics and even marble. You can paint almost anything including fabric T-Shirts and you can "Save" your stencils and use them on different projects. You can use the same stencil and by "Blocking off" certain areas of the stencil with non-stick tape you can make your designs multi-colored by simply using and removing the tape from the areas you wish to paint with various colors.

If you like scrap booking then there are hundreds of ideas you can use your stencils for. An example would be to use your stencils as a main theme throughout your scrapbook. Or you could use them as a consistent border. And if you like "Art Stamps" then you can easily design your stencils like you would design an "Art Stamp" with your own artwork, text copy or designs and by using a little ink or paint you have just created the same effects as you would with an art stamp….except it is Your Own Design and it is much cheaper than buying Rubber Art Stamps.

There are thousands of ideas available to you once you start using this simple new way to make permanent Craft Stencils in just minutes and you will soon just "Go Wild" with ideas that were just too difficult or too time consuming before. So now is the time to let your creativity take over and begin enjoying crafts all over again. For more information, complete details and lots of photos just take a quick look at the website below.

Author: Marie Marshall

Check it out at: http://www.stencil-maker.com/craft-stencils.htm.

Check us out at Martronics Corporation.

I’ve been in business for over 41 years in the Pacific Northwest.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marie_Marshall

Know more about getting supplies for glass etching, and learn how to Etch Glass by using templates for glass etching.

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Tips for Cleaning Glass Windows

Cleaning glass can often prove to be a laborious chore with little reward. In order to fulfil their true potential, window glass needs to be spotlessly clean. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take much for it to dirty again – that’s if they even dry properly in the first place.

Here are a number of tips for cleaning glass windows that should lead to them retaining their lustre for longer. Hopefully now you will have more time to do the things that you want to do.

Tips for Cleaning Glass Windows

• Invest in the right products. You may find that a good squeegee with a soft rubber blade makes the glass cleaning job more effective, especially for big areas of glass like sliding glass doors.
• In terms of washing liquids, ammonia-based cleaning products tend to work better. Alternatively, add a few tablespoons of ammonia or white vinegar, or both, to a bucket of warm water to create an effective window cleaning solution.
• Avoid cleaning glass on hot days. The heat works against you as it will dry your windows quickly and leave you with unsightly water marks. You want to be able to dry them manually.
• Hose down external windows, in order to loosen stubborn dirt. It will make the actual task of cleaning glass much easier.
• Ensure that any cleaning solution or rinsing water is clean. There’s no use in trying to clean glass with dirty water. Change these liquids whenever you think it is necessary.
• Dry off the windows as quickly as possible before they dry naturally. Have clean absorbent rags or paper towelling ready for the job. You need to also make sure you are drying the glass with dry cloths, so have a lot at hand.
• Many people swear by using newspaper to polish the glass after it has dried as a way of adding extra shine.
• Make your windows look brand new! Small scratches on the glass can be eliminated by polishing the scratch with a small amount of toothpaste.

Alternative Ways of Cleaning External Glass Windows

If you don’t want to clean glass windows yourself, you have two options; hire a window cleaning service or install a self cleaning glass in your home. A window cleaning service does mean that you’ll get the job done properly, but you may find it an expensive option and you may find having all these people in your home somewhat invasive.

Self cleaning glass is a popular new glass technology. It uses the elements of nature to self clean. Glass that self-cleans is a little more expensive that standard window glass, but the benefits can certainly justify the price in the long run. Find out more about how self cleaning glass works.

Pilkington is the leading glass manufacturer and the first company to introduce self-cleaning glass onto the market. Visit their site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Damian_Burke

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