Abstract: A method of etching a glass sheet using a curtain coater includes supporting the sheet at its periphery and in a generally horizontal position such that it may sag under its own weight. Sagging causes the uppermost surface of the glass sheet to assume a generally concave form. Etchant solution applied to the uppermost surface flows over the glass to form a nonuniform layer on the uppermost surface. The layer has a minimum thickness at the periphery of the glass sheet. Etchant solution is applied to the glass using a curtain coater designed to handle a corrosive etchant solution. The sheet of glass is supported on a frame including a seal to prevent etchant solution from contacting a second surface of the glass.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for simultaneously etching only one side of at least two sheets of glass to reduce specular reflectance on the etched side while improving resolution and process efficiency. In the process, two face to face sheets of glass are aligned and a seal is formed to render the adjacent inside faces of the glass sheets substantially fluid-tight during the etching process. The sealed sheets are then transferred to an etching bath where their outside faces are etched, but their inside faces are not visibly etched.