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.
Transferring the image or the design you want on the steel can be tricky for a starter. However, the simplicity and the complexity of your design will depend on the method used to lay the design on the metal. You can draw by freehand or replicate a design from another steel. Moreover, the design should not resemble another one not unless you are allowed to use the trademark.
In above project, you will need some materials to prevent some parts from etching when working on a design. The commonly used materials are adhesive tapes and ink for painting the back of the steel. Apply them wherever you do not want etching to occur especially the edges and the back of your design.
After you have transferred your design to the steel plate, Wear protective gloves and insert the steel plate in the readily prepared acidic bath. Put it while facing down to achieve a clear lined up design. This will avoid a situation where if put facing up some bubbles form flakes which interfere with the design if not polished early. For the best product, leave the plate in the acidic bath for a while.
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.
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.
Transferring the image or the design you want on the steel can be tricky for a starter. However, the simplicity and the complexity of your design will depend on the method used to lay the design on the metal. You can draw by freehand or replicate a design from another steel. Moreover, the design should not resemble another one not unless you are allowed to use the trademark.
In above project, you will need some materials to prevent some parts from etching when working on a design. The commonly used materials are adhesive tapes and ink for painting the back of the steel. Apply them wherever you do not want etching to occur especially the edges and the back of your design.
After you have transferred your design to the steel plate, Wear protective gloves and insert the steel plate in the readily prepared acidic bath. Put it while facing down to achieve a clear lined up design. This will avoid a situation where if put facing up some bubbles form flakes which interfere with the design if not polished early. For the best product, leave the plate in the acidic bath for a while.
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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