Metal Etching is Easier than it Sounds

How to Etch Metal for Jewelry

I took a print making class in college. Etching was complicated and messy. The acid used was dangerous and put holes in my jeans.

 Enter 2018 and a simple safer method of etching metal using salt water and a low voltage electrical current. I just returned from an artist retreat at Wildacres in the NC mountains where I took a week long course in “Electro Etching” taught by Micah Kirby and sponsored by the South Eastern Federation of Mineralogical Societies. Here is a general outline of the process:

 The Etching Process:

 There are several ways to mask an image onto the metal.  But the most low tech resist (and my favorite) is to use enamel paint pens. Draw/paint your design on the metal. Everything not painted will be etched away. The painted part will be raised.  Remove the paint with mineral spirits.  Enhance the design with a patina such as liver of sulfur.

 If you are interested in trying out electro etching, there is much more detailed information from John Fetvedt at this website: http://bijoux-de-terre.com/jewelry/bdtfos.html#Electro-Etching.

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