Here are the results so far. The first piece was pretty good but not etched deep enough. Soooo on the second batch I wanted to leave them in longer. Unfortunately, I got called away to pick up a kid and they got left in a bit TOO long and actually etched all the way through the metal in some spots. Lesson learned!
This is the first one. Pretty good for a start. It has since been pickled, tumbled and domed a bit. Going to hit it with some LOS and reshoot it tomorrow I hope.
This one taught me that StazOn ink is just as good a resist as my Sharpie marker, that was the good part. The bad part is having left in in too long and trying to etch both sides at once lets the etch eat holes right through! Although, this too could be an interesting effect if it was intentional. I was thinking that if done intentionally you could leave them like that or you might be able to fill the holes with enamels, hmmmm. I was hoping that with a deeper etch I could enamel in the recesses.
This was he back of that floral piece. I thought it would be a cool way to sign my work. It will be too, just have to either etch for a shorter period or be mindful not to have the etched areas overlap each other.
This one is the spent brass of a bullet. I couldn't say what kind, a large caliber rifle I believe. This one would have been fine IF I had better sealed the ends. Since the ends weren't sealed well etchant made it's way inside the casing and so it too was etching from both sides. It is still on one piece though and I think I will make it into something to keep for myself :).
So the adventure in etching will continue. Stay tuned...
Oh and I listed a whole bunch of new pieces on Etsy today. Stop on over and have a look!
I have some of that etched lace too! same thing, tried to etch both sides and forgot it until too late. Fun process though is't it!
ReplyDeleteIt is fun! Glad I'm not the only one who has accidentally made lace, lol.
DeleteThe shell is great! Jack says he has some if you want them!
ReplyDeleteThanks Syd! I will take all the brass I can get, I think this could be a very popular collection in m neck of the woods!
DeleteWow, had no idea it would eat right through the metal! Glad to hear of this though and like your designs! I've been wanting to try Etching for the longest time too! Where can you find this type of etchant for purchase? How do you dispose of it properly? (So many questions!) :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Sharyl,
DeleteI picked mine up at radio Shack for less than 15.00. I have read differing opinions as to how to dispose of it. Some say you can strain off the liquid, neutralize it with a baking soda and water mix and rinse it down the drain. Others say that even then the solution still contains copper particles and cannot be disposed of in that manner. I'm going to check with my town to see what they suggest for disposal. It is a whole lot of fun though :).
Hey there! Thanks for stopping by my blog and becoming a follower. Glad you did because it led me to yours!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have you drop by :)
DeleteAli, Amazing work!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Holly! Have a few other pieces completed now too, just waiting for some sunshine to take some pictures :)
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