ETCHING

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SAND THE METAL (COPPER OR BRASS) WITH 1000 OR HIGHER SANDPAPER & CLEAN
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DRAW OR TRANSFER YOUR DESIGN ONTO THE METAL (SHARPIE OR TONER)
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USE CLEAR TAPE TO ATTACH YOUR METAL TO STYROFOAM SO THAT IT FLOATS UPSIDE DOWN IN THE ACID BATH
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PUT THE METAL SIDE DOWN INTO THE ACID BATH AND LEAVE IT FOR 45 MINS FOR A LIGHT ETCH OR 2 HOURS FOR A HEAVY ETCH
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PUT IT DIRECTLY INTO THE BAKING SODA BATH FOR TWO MINUTES
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PUT IT IN THE PICKLE TO REMOVE ANY FIRE SCALE

TECHNICAL SKILLS VIDEOS

INSTRUCTION

  • PLAN OUT HOW YOU WANT TO USE YOUR ETCHED METAL (jewelry applications: ring, pendant, bolo tie, bracelet; objects: box, label; etc.)
  • CUT YOUR METAL (use copper, brass, or aluminum)
  • SAND & CLEAN ONE SIDE (use 1000 or higher grit sandpaper, clean with water, ammonia, or alcohol)
  • APPLY THE IMAGE (you can use a sharpie to draw your image, or you can transfer toner onto the metal using heat or acetone)
  • ACID FLOAT (use clear tape to attach your metal image side out to a piece of foam)
  • ACID BATH (put the metal side down so that it floats in the acid - leave for 45 mins for a light etch or 2+ hours for a heavy etch)
  • BAKING SODA BATH (neutralize the acid in a baking soda bath for 2 mins - then wash with water)
  • HEAT & PICKLE (you can remove the sharpie or toner by heating the metal with a torch and then pickling to remove fire scale)
  • USE YOUR ETCHED METAL IN A PROJECT

ADVANCED IDEAS

  • MORE THAN ONE METAL TYPE
  • PROJECTS WITH HINGES, BEZELS, SPINNER RINGS, AND OTHER MORE COMPLEX FORMS THAT COULD HAVE ETCHED IMAGERY