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.
We have different types of metal available in the market, but most of them can hardly be affordable for a common man. However, metals react differently when they come into contact with acids. In regard to this, before buying any acid anticipated for steel etching, you have to consult the distributors on which acid is suitable for a particular metal.
The metal you intend to work on should be prepared thoroughly. You should remove all the burrs in the parts that you are working on by either filing or use a rough sandpaper to clear them. This can only be done on the side that you are working on especially when you are working on a steel plate. Wire brush, steel wool and are also good for cleaning the steel plate.
Drawing a design on a steel platform with a pen is hard, but this can be simplified by replicating a design from another metal. The design that you intend to use should not belong to another company to avoid raising issues related to copyright. You can create your picture and draw it on your plate before etching it.
Considering the fact that the whole metal plate cannot be immersed in the acidic basin, you should have some resist materials. This includes paint and tapes that can cover the points that you do not need to etch. Cover them properly leaving the points that your intended design will cover. The back and the edges of the steel plate should be concealed completely with a tape to prevent them from etching.
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.
Remove the steel from the acid bath and clean it by use of water. However, some acids are hazardous, and use of baking soda can neutralize them with ease. For those parts that you used tapes and paint as resists you can clean them using turpentine for a clear end product.
By following these simple procedures, you will be able to come up with a masterpiece of your own. Moreover, the nature of this job involves a lot of risks, especially when dealing with the acids. It is imperative that you observe safety and precautions to avoid complications that may arise from contact with the acid.
We have different types of metal available in the market, but most of them can hardly be affordable for a common man. However, metals react differently when they come into contact with acids. In regard to this, before buying any acid anticipated for steel etching, you have to consult the distributors on which acid is suitable for a particular metal.
The metal you intend to work on should be prepared thoroughly. You should remove all the burrs in the parts that you are working on by either filing or use a rough sandpaper to clear them. This can only be done on the side that you are working on especially when you are working on a steel plate. Wire brush, steel wool and are also good for cleaning the steel plate.
Drawing a design on a steel platform with a pen is hard, but this can be simplified by replicating a design from another metal. The design that you intend to use should not belong to another company to avoid raising issues related to copyright. You can create your picture and draw it on your plate before etching it.
Considering the fact that the whole metal plate cannot be immersed in the acidic basin, you should have some resist materials. This includes paint and tapes that can cover the points that you do not need to etch. Cover them properly leaving the points that your intended design will cover. The back and the edges of the steel plate should be concealed completely with a tape to prevent them from etching.
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.
Remove the steel from the acid bath and clean it by use of water. However, some acids are hazardous, and use of baking soda can neutralize them with ease. For those parts that you used tapes and paint as resists you can clean them using turpentine for a clear end product.
By following these simple procedures, you will be able to come up with a masterpiece of your own. Moreover, the nature of this job involves a lot of risks, especially when dealing with the acids. It is imperative that you observe safety and precautions to avoid complications that may arise from contact with the acid.
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