Copper Etching

Etching• Process of using a

chemical (mordant) to “eat” away selected parts of metal.

• Part of metal is covered with resist.

• Resist protects the metal from the mordant.

• The exposed part gets etched.

http://www.ross-simons.com/products/147251.html

Why Etching?

• Creates incredible textures by the action of the acid playing on the surface of the metal, depending on the depth of your etch.

http://www.hgtv.com/crafting/etched-copper-pendant/pictures/index.html

Why Etching?

• Creates a drawn design

Why Etching?

• Allows many design possibilities

Why Etching?

• Fast

Why Etching?

• Easy (all you do is draw a design!)

Etching

• http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/etching.htm

• http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/nenam/photocopy_transfer_etch.htm

Mordants

• Usually acids, sometimes salts• Nitric acid (acid) – Silver• Ferric chloride (salt) – Copper, and

copper-containing metals (brass, nickel)

Resists

• Permanent Marker/Paint Pen• Nail Polish• Heavy Duty Packing Tape (and sticky

label paper)• Toner transferred from a transparency or

PCB “blue” paper

Preparation

• Cut • File, if necessary • Sand• Clean surfaces soapy

water, rinse, only touch edges

Permanent Marker/Paint Pen

• Draw design• “Fuzzy” edges• Easy to use

All Methods

• Ensure that back and all edges are covered with resist (electrical tape)

• Double stick tape (well!) to a piece of styrofoam (this allows it to float in the mordant)

Marker Type Etch Examples

• These examples were made with paint pen (similar to marker) for main areas and scribe for fine details

• Link to Etched Jewelry• Link to Etched Bracelet • Link to Etched Barrette

Etching Examples

• Immerse ring in etchant, hanging by insulated plastic wire

• When the “bite” is to your liking, remove it

• Remove tape• Clean thoroughly with

hot, soapy water to remove all etchant

Etching Examples

• Finished, polished piece

Etching Examples

http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.63073765.jpg

Etching Examples

http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.62962406.jpg

Etching Examples

http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.60654304.jpg

Etching Examples

http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_fullxfull.63074044.jpg

Etch• Safety: Wear gloves

and goggles to protect skin and eyes

• Pour mordant into glass container

• Suspend metal with design facing down or “hanging” in container

• Use double stick tape and styrofoam to suspend piece

Etch

• Check piece every ~20 minutes

• “The only rule is that there are no rules and each time you etch you must pay attention to what is happening.” – Tim McCreight

Etch

• The piece is done when you are pleased with the amount of “bite”

• Check it with a pin tool or pick

• Wash off mordant very thoroughly with soap and hot water

Etch• Finishing options:

– Leave as is– Patina– Patina, and rub off

surface to create contrast

– Add color with color pencils or oil pastels

• To keep copper from oxidizing, rub with wax