Copper plate etching formula

[WilliamLeeHolt]

I have never done a copper plate etching, but was given some small plates to experiment with. Anyways, I saw this video on E-how where the guy was using a mixture of common muriatic acid and hydrogen peroxide to etch his copper circuit boards. Never heard of this before, and was curious to find out if anyone has tried this.

[Former_Member]

Could you post a link to the video you found?

I, too, would love to hear more about the process from anyone who's done it. I have never tried it before either, but have some plates.

[VIZArt]

i haven't heard of this before. I just use ferric chloride
http://www.dickblick.com/products/copper-etching-solution/
i etch in a plastic container face up and i rock the tub gently this works just fine for me. you could use a vertical tank (tupperware cereal container for small plates as mentioned in another thread is very economical) you can add citric acid if you are worried about sediment forming in the lines during etching.
here is a recipe for that
http://www.nontoxic-printmaking.co.nz/techniques/edinburgh_etch.html
and here is another great site for non toxic printmaking
http://www.nontoxicprint.com/

[VIZArt]

looks like dickblick is out of stock you can also get ferric chloride here
http://www.danielsmith.com/Item--i-G-284-160-FC
https://www.graphicchemical.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=43&cat=Acids+%26+Mordants

[WilliamLeeHolt]

Here's the link:
http://www.ehow.com/video_4955981_copper-etching-chemical-solution.html

[Former_Member]

I haven't used these chemicals but I have used a solution made with copper sulphate and salt on aluminium plates. There are a few different recipes for it, I think it's generally half and half.

I tried it once at home with some small plates and the results were quite good. It bites very quickly and later I read somewhere that it's a good idea to put a piece of scrap metal in first to take the edge off it.

You can buy copper sulphate at a nursery because it's used on plants.

[Former_Member]

Actually I used this solution on zinc plates, not aluminium. I understand it works on both. I don't know about copper though.

[VIZArt]

copper sulphate and salt does not work on copper plates. i think you can use it for steel in addition to zinc and aluminum.

[VIZArt]

i think the best acid for copper is ferric chloride because it is relatively safe with little to no fumes. i use it at home with no ventilation other than a window and the bathroom fan. it can be shipped right to your house. i etch in the bathroom. i stop up the sink and put a bunch of baking soda at the bottom. i usually give my plate a rinse or two during the process to check on the bite. when i am finished i pour my acid back into its jug using a funnel and give everything a rinse add a little more baking soda for good measure let it sit for a bit then unplug the sink let it all drain out then run cold water for a couple of minutes.

[atelier28]

We etch on copper and use ferric acid too. It's not harmful...just stains if it contacts anything! We use wooden blocks or stones to keep the plates from laying on the bottom of the tray...careful not to cover the etched lines. For the smaller plates we found some round ceramic bowls that fit exactly and the plate just rests on the sides. Here's my 'how-to':

http://atelier28.blogspot.com/p/how-etching-is-made-hoe-een-ets-gemaakt.html

[Former_Member]

Andrea:
Thanks so much for the link! That is great info and well written!
-Alexia, Porcuprints
p.s. - I love your work! (especially all your feathers!)

[atelier28]

Thanks Alexia. :-) I work with my partner and this is some of his work: http://www.etsy.com/shop/OriginalEtchings
We like working on copper because you can make really fine lines and detail. Hope you get on ok with it!

[atelier28]

Love this team :-)

[PrintsByMaggieg]

I am dithering with etching. Have done a two day workshop and am all geared up but daren't take the leap without some hand holding! I usually do drypoint and collograph and lino cut. Just need a couple of days to get myself organised.

[LynnBaileyPrintmaker]

Just agreeing with Viza re etching with ferric chloride. The small amount that goes down the drain when you rinse your plate is nothing to worry about. Apparently ferric chloride is used in water treatment to settle the ‘solids’ at the sewage farm. (Bet you didn’t want to know that).

I would worry more about copper sulphate entering the water table – this can kill the fishes!

To help rinse the ferric sulphate off the copper plate (it kind of clings a bit and discolours the plate) I use a mixture if salt dissolved in vinegar. Makes your plate brighten up no end, and can show you if you have any foreign bodies still stuck to the plate (eg a residue of transparent ground).

I use a vertical tank. Just stick an acetate strip to the back of the plate and attach to a washing line (or side of tank) with a peg – simple.