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

Initial Set up

Salt water solution

Batteries and leads

Cathode and wire

Container with clean water, large enough to rinse piece

Image to etch

MAGE

Black and White ONLY (not grayscale)

Print to PNP (Print and Peel) sheets

OR

Use an oil-based paint marker (e.g. Krylon paint pen)

Prep your piece

Flat iron - set to ~300 deg. F (wool-cotton)

Metal piece should be larger than the image by 1/4” minimum all the way around.

Drill a hole in the piece near an edge.

Clean your metal (copper, brass, nickel) thoroughly to remove all oils and dirt.