Tutorial- How to Etch Metal

With so many requests I figured it was about time I shared with you how

 I etch my metal with rubber stamps.

Grab a cup of tea or coffee sit back and enjoy!

Etching Tools and Materials

 Metal: brass or copper sheeting, Ferric Chloride, Liver of Sulfur, Tin snips,

Plastic containers to hold metal pieces, Blue painter’s tape, Sharpie Marker-Black, Stazon Ink pad- black, Rubber stamps (heaver images work best), Metal file, Steel wool, Rubber gloves, baking soda,
Old toothbrushes, Drill or metal punch, Band Saw or Jewelers saw, Eye Protection or goggles,
Paper towels, Clear sealer
Liver of Sulfur  (if you want to antique your finished piece)　

Technique

1. Begin by cutting pieces of brass sized to fit stamps. Cut using tin snips.

2. Stamp the image on the metal pieces with black Stazon ink and your rubber stamps.
3. You will need to edge the pieces of your metal with black Sharpie
    (this will prevent the solution from eating away at the sides)

4. Take the brass pieces and add strips of Blue painters tape on the back burnishing down to secure.
5. Make sure your work area is protected as Ferric Chloride stains. Wear rubber gloves and place the prepared metal pieces in a plastic container image face down using the tape to secure the sides.
 Add Ferric chloride so the metal floats on top of the liquid.
Let sit for approx. 3 to 4 hours.

6. Wear gloves before removing the metal pieces and clean with baking soda using an old toothbrush.

Follow by cleaning with water to remove residue.

7. You can cut the shape of the your pieces by using a band saw and a thin blade.
 Remember to wear eye protection.  A jewelers saw will also work but will take a lot longer.
If you don't have access to a saw you can simple cut your pieces square.

8. Use a metal file to smooth edges of cut pieces.

9. Use a metal punch or drill holes at this time if you'd like

You can Antique your pieces as desired by dipping them in the bath of Liver of Sulfur. Follow manufactures instructions. Brass takes on the color very quickly. Let dry sand lightly with steel wool to desired finish.

Spray finished pieces with a clear sealer to protect clothes

Tips: Wear rubber gloves and protect clothing when using Ferric Chloride as it stains.
Always wear eye protection when cutting or filing metal.
If when stamping your image on metal it smudges you can clean with Stazon cleaner or Ultra Clean, remove residue before re-stamping.
Use stamps that have thick designs for best results.
You can re-use the ferric Chloride, but it does lose some of its strength. Be sure to cover tightly.
To dispose of mixture weaken with baking soda first. Follow manufactures instructions.
Resources.
Ferric Chloride can be purchased at most Electronic Supply stores.
Brass or copper sheeting .32 gauge. I purchase mine at a metal supply store.

I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial.
Please let me know you stopped by and leave a comment.
I'll be giving away a little blog candy to one of you on Saturday.
Giveaway Now Closed

I'd love to see your results so be sure to share your finished pieces.