Etching

Etching is a method of removing exposed metal and retaining protected metal from a surface so as to create a design or texture. In our shop, we accomplish that with non-ferrous metals in one of two ways, both of which use a etching bath (mordant), a pattern that adheres to and protects the metal surface (resist), and a source of electrical current to initiate a chemical reaction. Parts of the metal are covered and protected by the "resist", while the exposed parts are eaten away by the electric current to reveal a design.

The Jewelry and Metal Craft Shop currently supports two methods of etching non-ferrous metals: electro-etching and salt-water etching.

Electro-etching

Equipment and supplies

Etchant (mordant) - Copper Sulfate (egg,, "Root Kill"),

Plastic container,

Electric current source (e.g., manual battery charger, Rectifying power supply) with leads/clips

Copper wire ~ 16 g

copper or brass sheet

3M green scrubby pads,

brass brush

duct or packing tape

Procedure

Forthcoming

Salt-water etching

Equipment and supplies

Forthcoming

Procedure

Forthcoming