I have done larger surfaces like big jars, But it takes a lot of cream which isnt cheap and you have to leave it on a while, I also recall it not being recommended by the cream manufacturer (didnt stop me).
You might be better off with the paint that simulates etching, but I havent used it and cant speak to durability.

I did a window once with the etch-look spray paint, it looked exactly the same and was cheap. I cut out shapes from contact paper (hands and spirals) first. It comes off, so it isn't permanent. But it stays on really well!