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

Clear jar with wide opening (e.g. pickle jar) deep enough to submerge your piece vertically

Salt (don't use salt that has anti-caking agent)

Water (Distilled, preferred)

Copper wire - 16g, 2 ft.

Pliers

Drill with 1/16” bit or metal punch

Oil paint pen or PNP paper, (optional)

Metal sheet - brass, bronze, copper

Timer

Hard, very flat surface, heat-resistant

Sheet of paper folded

Iron (household. They actually do still exist.)

Laser printer (uses toner, not ink) if printing to PNP paper. Note: Brother laser printers do not work.

Battery one or two "D" cells, with battery holder and wire clips

Procedure

Forthcoming