This document provides information on the copper etching process. Etching involves using a chemical to remove selected parts of metal that are not protected by a resist. The resist protects areas from the mordant (etching chemical), allowing it to etch away the exposed metal and create textures and designs. Copper etching creates incredible textures depending on etch depth and allows many design possibilities in a fast and easy process by drawing a design as a resist. The document describes mordants, resists, preparation, examples of marker resist etching, the etching process involving safety, checking progress, and finishing options.

1. Copper Etching

2. 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

3. 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

4. Why Etching?
• Creates a drawn
design

5. Why Etching?
• Allows many
design
possibilities

6. Why Etching?
• Fast

7. Why Etching?
• Easy (all
you do is
draw a
design!)

8. Etching
• http://www.ganoksin.c
om/borisat/nenam/etc
hing.htm
• http://www.ganoksin.c
om/borisat/nenam/ph
otocopy_transfer_etc
h.htm

9. Mordants
• Usually acids, sometimes salts
• Nitric acid (acid) – Silver
• Ferric chloride (salt) – Copper, and
copper-containing metals (brass, nickel)

10. Resists
• Permanent Marker/Paint Pen
• Nail Polish
• Heavy Duty Packing Tape (and sticky
label paper)
• Toner transferred from a transparency or
PCB “blue” paper

11. Preparation
• Cut
• File, if necessary
• Sand
• Clean surfaces soapy
water, rinse, only
touch edges

12. Permanent Marker/Paint Pen
• Draw design
• “Fuzzy” edges
• Easy to use

13. 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)

14. 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

15. 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

16. Etching Examples
• Finished, polished
piece

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

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

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

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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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