Etching

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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
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