Etching is a process whereby some parts of a metal are eaten up by strong acids, and this has been used for designing different types of metals for a long time. Considering that some of the metals are hard to get due to their availability and the price in the market, most of our artisans have turned to use of steel. Therefore it is important for any craftsman to understand the principles of metal etching Houston Texas.
Metals react differently when acid is poured on them. Before buying any of the etchants you should do a prior research on them and learn on how they react on the metal you intend to use. For instance, when you are working with aluminum it is highly discouraged to work with any ferric chloride. Whereas the same acid can be compatible with copper and silver.
Ensure that you have cleaned the metal piece you intend to work on properly. Most of the metals have burrs that may interfere with your design, and this can be cleaned up by applying a rough sandpaper until they are completely removed leaving a smooth metal. Additionally, avoid cleaning the side that you will not be working on.
Applying the design that you wish to have on the steel plate is cumbersome for people who are new in this industry. The method you will use to lay your design on the plate will determine its complexity. Replicating an image or design from another metal is easier compared to that prepared by drawing using free hand. However, it is highly illegal for you to etch the same image of another legitimate company without their permission because it will lead to prosecution.
In above project, you will need some materials to prevent some parts from etching when working on a design. The commonly used materials are adhesive tapes and ink for painting the back of the steel. Apply them wherever you do not want etching to occur especially the edges and the back of your design.
Having drawn and covered the unwanted parts for etching with the resists, prepare an acid bath. Put the workpiece face down the acid bath to get a design with a clear line. In most cases when a metal work is put while facing up in the acid bath, the end product is left with flakes which may interfere with the design. The steel should be left in the acid for some time for you to get the best results.
After leaving the plate in the acid for sufficient time remove it from the bath and clean it up with water. Be cautious on washing it with bare hands because some acids are so hazardous when they come into human contact. In such cases, you can use baking soda to neutralize the acid before you proceed with washing it with water. Remove the tapes and clean the painted areas by use of turpentine.
Safety precautions should be observed all through these process. Ensure that you work in a well ventilated area and wear protective gloves. Avoid pouring water in an acid can as a way of mixing. This causes the acid to heat up and can lead it to splash out of the container. Instead, you should pour the acid into a water container.
Metals react differently when acid is poured on them. Before buying any of the etchants you should do a prior research on them and learn on how they react on the metal you intend to use. For instance, when you are working with aluminum it is highly discouraged to work with any ferric chloride. Whereas the same acid can be compatible with copper and silver.
Ensure that you have cleaned the metal piece you intend to work on properly. Most of the metals have burrs that may interfere with your design, and this can be cleaned up by applying a rough sandpaper until they are completely removed leaving a smooth metal. Additionally, avoid cleaning the side that you will not be working on.
Applying the design that you wish to have on the steel plate is cumbersome for people who are new in this industry. The method you will use to lay your design on the plate will determine its complexity. Replicating an image or design from another metal is easier compared to that prepared by drawing using free hand. However, it is highly illegal for you to etch the same image of another legitimate company without their permission because it will lead to prosecution.
In above project, you will need some materials to prevent some parts from etching when working on a design. The commonly used materials are adhesive tapes and ink for painting the back of the steel. Apply them wherever you do not want etching to occur especially the edges and the back of your design.
Having drawn and covered the unwanted parts for etching with the resists, prepare an acid bath. Put the workpiece face down the acid bath to get a design with a clear line. In most cases when a metal work is put while facing up in the acid bath, the end product is left with flakes which may interfere with the design. The steel should be left in the acid for some time for you to get the best results.
After leaving the plate in the acid for sufficient time remove it from the bath and clean it up with water. Be cautious on washing it with bare hands because some acids are so hazardous when they come into human contact. In such cases, you can use baking soda to neutralize the acid before you proceed with washing it with water. Remove the tapes and clean the painted areas by use of turpentine.
Safety precautions should be observed all through these process. Ensure that you work in a well ventilated area and wear protective gloves. Avoid pouring water in an acid can as a way of mixing. This causes the acid to heat up and can lead it to splash out of the container. Instead, you should pour the acid into a water container.
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