etching??

[Former_Member]

Does anyone know how to etch on copper that can give me some pointers.

[tessjordandesigns]

Hi! I haven't done any etching but I found this for you that might help.

http://copperheartdesigns.blogspot.com/2008/04/tutorial-how-to-etch-copper.html

[Former_Member]

I've used this method
http://stephanielee.typepad.com/stephanie_lee_studios/2008/03/etching-tutoria.html

and this one (using kosher pickling salt so there were no additives)
http://copperheartdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/01/electrolytic-copper-etching.html

Both worked well. It's a bit cold out for any acid etching right now where I'm at though.

[Former_Member]

I tried electro etching on copper, and it worked wonderfully. Same set up as TheFrogsPond.
This is the first piece I did. I used copier toner as a resist.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/19351827@N04/3985194399/

[Former_Member]

thanks for all the tips!!!

[JazznJewelry]

If you're interested in looking up old Lapidary Journals, I wrote several articles on etching with acetates and ferrics: June and July 1988, March 1999. I've improved on some things since then, but there's still a lot of info that will help you to be successful.

[Former_Member]

I use almost the same method as CopperHeart, except I use transparencies or PCB paper to apply the resist.

[Former_Member]

Hey KarlaWheelerDesign-

Iv been wanting to try with the transparencies. How do I know if my printer will work with it though? Iv heard you have to have a special kind of printer. Is this true? Iv got an HP photosmart C5180 all in one. I have no idea if its an injet or lazer printer. Im so lame huh lol!

[Former_Member]

Jayb99, to use transparencies, you have to have a printer that uses toner (dry stuff) not ink. I just took my image to Staples, and had them copy it onto one. It was pretty cheap.

[Former_Member]

So what do you do? Copy your image onto regular paper then take it in and tell them what? Lol

[Former_Member]

Ooo...would a printer copier work? Those giant square ones? I may be able to use the ones at work.

[Former_Member]

Yep. Just print out a copy of what you want to etch, and ask them to copy it onto a transparency.
If it uses toner, it will work. If it is an inkjet, it will not work.

[JazznJewelry]

Most dry toners are carbon based, which is what you want for transparency transfer. If you use PnP blue, it has extra tooth, so you can also use things like permanent markers or India ink to dray directly onto the carrier sheet.

Most laser printers with dry toner are carbon based as well, but you'll varying results with the type of acetate used. I can't say enough about PnP and its ease of use though. I've tried a lot of different resists, and for such little effort, PnP is hands down the best.

You might also like the effects of drawing directly (direct resist) onto your metal with a paint pen that comes in a variety of tips--very fine point, chisel tip, etc.

[Former_Member]

I use an HP LaserJet printer. I agree PnP is much better, but I was given a few huge boxes of transparencies. They work really well for me for etchings that do not have a large area of black. for those I definitely use PnP.