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Etching Base Metals
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Instructor:
Aisha Formanski
Technique(s): Metalwork Level: All Levels
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Etching has been around for hundreds of years and is now as popular as ever! Instructor Aisha Formanski will teach you the basics of etching copper, brass and nickel silver with ferric chloride. If you can draw the design, she will show you how to preserve it in metal forever! She covers how to; clean your metal, resists, etching safely and finishing your pieces. This technique offers endless design options. This class has a run time of 15 minutes. We DO NOT recommend etching aluminum. Pewter is a good metal for etching, though it only needs to sit in the solution for ~10 minutes. |
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Tools And Materials
Tools
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Resist - permanent marker and ink pad
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Packing tape
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Scissors
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2 disposable plastic containers with lids
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Baking soda - Mix 10 parts water to 1 part baking soda
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Plastic spoon
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Toothpicks
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0000 steel wool
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Rubber gloves
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Apron
Materials
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Ferric chloride - Aisha uses PCB Solution from Radio Shack. You can also find Copper Etching Solution at Dick Blick. This solution can be used over and over again until it no longer etches the metal. Then responsibly dispose of.
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This solution WILL NOT etch sterling silver
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& Single Clad blanks - 24 gauge or thicker works best for this technique.
Optional
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Rubber stamps
Excellent video! I went to a copper jewelry class several years ago and one of the techniques that we learned was etching. I bought the PCB solution a while ago but haven't used it yet because I couldn't quite remember the steps. Thank you for the refresher! I am so excited!
I know the PCB won't work on sterling but will it work on aluminum?
I know the PCB won't work on sterling but will it work on aluminum?
Beaducation Replied:
We tested etching aluminum and do not recommend it. The solution causes a strong chemical reaction that can be dangerous. We also tested etching pewter and it works beautifully! You only need to leave the pewter in the solution for about 10 minutes.
03/13/2015
Sara Ballard
Lovely! I've seen a lot of videos about etching on the net, but this was the best. By far!
03/20/2015
Gillian
Thank you, this is going to be fun! I liked the idea of using the large stamp for a larger area so I can use the sheet for a different project. ?
04/02/2015
Margie
Another great video from Beaducation. Aisha presents information straightforwardly and demystifies some aspects of this craft that I have wanted to try out for years. Now I will - the instruction provides great advice and helps you see you can do it too. Can't wait to try it!
11/20/2015
Denise, Ottawa, Canada
This was a really great tutorial - very clear, great videography, written instructions to back up what was shown. Info is made very accessible. I'm excited to try it! Thank you!
12/26/2015
Paula
Thanks for a very clear and concise tutorial. I have been wanting to try this and purchased the materials but always felt a little intimidated about it. Your video has me ready to conquers my fears and create some new beautifully etched pieces. ?~L
02/11/2016
Liz
This was a very understandable guide for learning etching. Can this same chemical process be used on Altoid tins which I believe are steel?
Beaducation Replied:
Interesting idea! This project recipe is specific for copper, nickel and brass. Many other types of metal can be etched, but require the appropriate acid in the proper concentration. You'll want to determine the metal and then research the appropriate etching fluid.
07/16/2016
Emily
