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.
Before you start drawing the design, you wish to etch on the steel plate, cleaning it from any burr is mandatory. This can be done by use of steel wool, sandpaper or wire brush can help you achieve the desired result. However, the back of your plate should undergo the process if the design will not be applied there.
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.
Bearing in mind that a design that you wish to etch on the metal will take a particular part of the whole item, find a suitable resist when working with the acids. Resists can be of different forms, but the common and affordable ones are adhesive and duct tapes or paints. Ensure that the edges are covered with a resist to prevent acid from etching them.
With the design replicated in your steel plate, prepare the intended acid in a large container that will fit in the plate. This should be done carefully to avoid splashing of the acid into your face or feet. The plate should be put facing down to avoid bubbles that case flakes which might interfere with your design. Leave it for some time until you are sure of getting the best product.
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.
Before you start drawing the design, you wish to etch on the steel plate, cleaning it from any burr is mandatory. This can be done by use of steel wool, sandpaper or wire brush can help you achieve the desired result. However, the back of your plate should undergo the process if the design will not be applied there.
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.
Bearing in mind that a design that you wish to etch on the metal will take a particular part of the whole item, find a suitable resist when working with the acids. Resists can be of different forms, but the common and affordable ones are adhesive and duct tapes or paints. Ensure that the edges are covered with a resist to prevent acid from etching them.
With the design replicated in your steel plate, prepare the intended acid in a large container that will fit in the plate. This should be done carefully to avoid splashing of the acid into your face or feet. The plate should be put facing down to avoid bubbles that case flakes which might interfere with your design. Leave it for some time until you are sure of getting the best product.
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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