To transfer an image to metal, you’ll need to use a material that will “resist” the dissolving action of acid. Where you apply the resist, the metal will be protected; everywhere else, the acid (ferric chloride) will etch the metal, leaving the protected metal in a raised image.
One of the more versatile resists is a blue acetate film known as Press-n-Peel (PnP) paper. An image or pattern photocopied onto the matte side of this paper can be transferred onto metal. When planning your piece, remember that the pattern will transfer as a mirror image. If the direction of the pattern is important or includes lettering, consider what you’ll use the etching for, and adjust the orientation of the image or letters so that they will read correctly on the finished product. You may need to photocopy the pattern onto a transparency and then flip the transparency appropriately before photocopying the image onto the PnP paper.
SUPPLIES
- Brass, copper, or nickel sheet: 18-, 20-, or 22-gauge (1.0, 0.8, or 0.6mm)
- Press-n-Peel paper
- Iron
- Heat-resistant surface
- Bench shear or jeweler’s saw
- Rawhide mallet (optional)
- Bench anvil (optional)
- Scouring pads
- Sandpaper
- Rubbing alcohol
- Black permanent marker (optional)
- Nail polish
- Contact paper
- Styrofoam, 1 in. (25.5mm) thick
- Tape: double-sided or duct
- Safety glasses
- Apron
- Nitrile gloves
- Glass dish or disposable plastic container, minimum 6 in. (15.2cm) square
- Ferric-chloride solution
- Plastic tongs (optional)
- Rubber cement (optional)
- Baking soda
- Acetone
- Brass brush
INSTRUCTIONS