[Jewelry making - Article 00934] - Re: [Orchid] Chemical etching of copper

[Douglas Zaruba]

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    	I do a bit of etching on copper bowls and sculptural pieces. These
    are rarely flat, so a lot of the resists, like the ones used to make
    plates, don't work for me. I'll share some of my favorites: 

    		1.   Nail polish.  You can apply it right out of the bottle, or you
    can thin it slightly with acetone (nail polish remover). If the metal
    is very clean (I wipe it with a cloth dipped in ferric chloride and
    rinse well), you can get very detailed lines and tight edges. Pick a
    color that will stand out against the copper.  I like "Wet N'
    Wild".... it will take the abuse of high school girls, and will even
    stand up to sandblasting! I will often etch, then patinate the metal
    without removing the resist. The downside to this resist is that you
    have to remove it with acetone, so you need GOOD ventilation. 

    		2.  Rosin.  An engraver at the US Mint turned me on to this one.
    Just dissolve a bit of rosin in a small bowl with a little alcohol.
    Paint it on with a fine brush. You can scratch VERY fine lines into
    it, without chipping the edges. This is what is used on the steel
    plates that make our currency and stamps. It will go on almost
    transparent. I use it to develop a frosted background against a
    polished surface. It won't take a strong, violent etch, since heat
    will cause it to lift, but a slow etch works GREAT. Ferric chloride
    on copper, nitric on silver, aqua regia on gold. Just dip it in
    alcohol (or wipe it, if it's a large piece), and the resist comes
    right off. 

    	Check out Kelvin.com for etching supplies. They sell "educational
    materials" to schools, so they have products that are safe for home
    use. They sell ferric chloride, and the etching pens, as well as
    other resists and transfers.  

    	I always wear rubber gloves, a rubber apron, and face shield when
    etching. I have good ventilation, and often work outdoors to avoid
    breathing fumes. I neutralize spent acids with baking soda before
    disposing of them. Safety is a good practice... 

Doug Zaruba


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