Acid Etching Metal Jewelry

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- Rena Klingenberg

Acid Etching Metal Jewelry - UPDATE

by Virginia Vivier
(Esprit-Mystique)

Queen Elizabeth Eyes -Etched Brass Necklace (eyes from the Queen's image on a one pound note printed in 1981).

Sterling Silver - Secret Message Capsule Pendant (secret message can be enclosed forever inside the etched capsule).

Esprit del Sol - Etched Southwest Sun Spirit Necklace.

Peruvian Serpent God - Etched Talisman (attracts positive energy and good fortune wherever you go).

Update:

This update is for the multi-part tutorial that begins on the Acid Etching Metal Jewelry, Part 1 page.

I've experimented a bit with metal etching designs on sterling silver, copper and brass, using ImageOn, transparency, magazine paper, PnP and drawing directly using Staedtler pens.

Here are links to my previous blog posts:

DIY Design Transfer for Acid Etched

DIY Acid Etching on Brass and Copper

However, that info is a bit outdated.

New: Using Pulsar Transfer Paper

I have since begun using a laminator to transfer paper toner to metal. Works great if it gets to at least 425 degrees. You can find more info on using a laminator to transfer paper toner to metal on this website which sells Pulsar Transfer paper.

I used James Binnion's idea of "Pulsar transfer paper." Works even better! But it is a little pricey.

I definitely prefer Pulsar paper over ImageOn, or PnP, if you are going to purchase transfer paper.

Here's Jim's advice:

"I found ImageOn HD to be a pain. Someone mentioned a different product, "Toner Transfer Paper" from Pulsar (http://www.pulsarprofx.com). The company is marketing to printed circuit board hobby electronics buffs.

It is basically paper that is coated with dextrin (a starch) that is run through the laser printer.

The toner transfers to the paper then you iron on the image to your metal and then place the metal and paper into water.

The starch dissolves allowing the paper to float free of the toner. This has a big advantage over the acetate method in that it transfers all of the toner not just some of it.

I have very good results with it.

The two biggest issues I see with these processes that use the laser printer toner are that the metal is not clean enough and 2nd, and maybe the biggest issue, is the metal may not be perfectly flat or the iron is not held perfectly flat on the metal.

The cleanliness is easy to solve with products like Barkeepers Friend or Clean King scouring powder.

Both of these use pumice and a mild acid to really clean the surface of your metal.

The 2nd issue is a little harder to diagnose but if you have really clean metal but you only get partial adhesion of the toner then it is likely you are not getting the transfer paper, acetate or, PNP fully flat and in contact with the metal.

The trick I have been using is to buy a piece of 1/16" thick silicone rubber and placing the rubber between the iron and the paper or acetate.

Silicone rubber will transfer the heat to the paper/metal stack and greatly reduce issues of not having everything perfectly flat.

Once I started using the rubber my success rate went up to near 100% for such transfers."

James Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts

Tip for Making Laser Toner Transfers

One thing I meant to mention about etching using any kind of toner transfer paper:

At first my transfers came out great, then year later, transfers came out broken, spotty, or incomplete. I finally figured out it was caused by an exhausted toner cartridge.

As soon as I bought a new laser toner cartridge my transfers were dark and solid. You could actually see the mound of toner on top of the transfer paper.

So, now I keep a separate "new" cartridge for making toner transfers, and use the old one for making general office copies. It only takes 30 seconds to switch them out.

This applies, no matter what kind of transfer paper you use. The heavier the layer of toner, the better the transfer.

Coming Soon:

I'm also in process of writing a blog post on how to draw computer generated designs directly on metal using the Cricut die making machine with marking pens instead of Cricut cutter blade.

Stay tuned! It should be interesting.

Hope this helps!

Go to the main part of this tutorial at Acid Etching Metal Jewelry, Part 1.

Virginia Vivier
Esprit Mystique
Esprit Mystique blog
Esprit Mystique etsy shop

Comments for
Acid Etching Metal Jewelry - UPDATE

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Thank you for these great updates!
by: Rena

Thanks so much, Virginia, for providing more great info, updates, and product recommendations for this popular tutorial!

I really appreciate your continuing to share your knowledge and experiences for this cool jewelry making technique!

This Sounds Amazing!!!
by: Maryanne Murphy

...and I am so confused:)

I do not work in metal, so am not up on the different techniques that can be used.

However, I do have a nifty logo that I want to get etched into metal, and I think you are the angel that can make this happen.

My logo is just a pdf file.....I can actually transfer the image onto metal??!!

How does the technique you describe actually etch on the metal surface? Do you have to apply a solution for the lines to get etched in?

Please tell me what it is that I have to purchase in order to make this magic happen.

Eternally grateful:)

Maryanne

Yes - You CAN etch your logo!
by: Virginia Vivier - Esprit-Mystique.com

Maryanne,

Your idea is doable! However, there are easier solutions than etching. Please describe how/why you want to etch your logo on metal? Are you making a sign? Or, perhaps you are making small tags? Or, pendants?

1st - You CAN convert your logo .pdf design file to .jpg or .gif or .tif, so that's no problem.

2nd - If the design reduces well, you can purchase a design stamp and "stamp" the logo on a small metal tag. That would be easier and cheaper, if you want multiple tags. Custom design stamps can be made by a number of suppliers. You can Google to find suppliers that are near you, or email me and I can recommend a couple good ones. Approximate investment: $60 - $150

3rd - You can print "decals" of your logo that can be applied to metal, and sealed for durability. Approximate investment: $25 for decal transfer paper plus sealant.

4th - You can have your design "caste" in metal. This is cost efficient if you want multiple designs. Google for Casting companies near you, and discuss your idea with their experts. They are very helpful. Approx cost: (Depends on metal used, but approx $10 each, for brass, copper, pewter or silver). Minimum order costs determined by the supplier.

4th - You can etch your logo in sterling silver, brass, or copper. Google different methods (there are many) ~ here are links to my tutorial that may give you an idea of all that is involved:
Acid Etching Metal Jewelry part 1
Acid Etching Metal Jewelry part 2
Acid Etching Metal Jewelry part 3
Acid Etching on Metal for Jewelry.

You would need a laser copier, transfer paper, an iron, Ferric chloride/Ferric Nitrate etching acid, aquarium bubbler & baking soda for starters (not including metal to be etched). Approximately 1.5 hours time, plus $250 in tools & supplies. And, lots of practice! This would be good for "one-off" etching on metal, but less cost efficient than stamping the design, or casting it, if you need multiples.

Hope this helps! It's hard to reply without more specific details about what you want to accomplish. Feel free to email with questions - Amulets at Esprit-Mystique dot com.

Virginia, in sunny Tucson, AZ
http://www.facebook.com/Virginia.Vivier
http://www. Esprit-Mystique.com

Overwhelmed with Gratitude
by: Maryanne Murphy

Thanks Virginia for the incredible and detailed information!!!

I looked at your jewelry on Etsy...amazing and beautiful!

I am babysitting my grandchildren right now while my daughter Cat is at a biker rally with our Biker Chic(TM) jewelry line. That's why this process interest me...for our killer logo that Cat made. This is a long story, which has started here with Rena, will continue as soon as I can catch up. Three year old crawling up into my lap...I am grandma jungle-gym.

There's so much WONDERFUL information you gave me to digest. Will go over it sans 3yr old...but wanted to send you a quick THANK YOU!!!!

Etsy is a wonderful place, I'm there too....but you NEVER get the kind of AMAZING support you do here at Rena's....I feel like we are all "in her house:)!!

Maryanne

Thank you, Maryanne!
by: Rena

I like that idea - you're all here in my house at a big, cozy jewelry meetup! :o)

Virginia, thanks for that insightful reply to Maryanne's logo question!

Pulsar plus "Foil"?
by: Patricia

The Pulsar Transfer Paper sounds wonderful! Do you also use the "green foil" to seal it or just use the Transfer Paper image? I've been using the PnP Blue which needs no sealing.

No need for green foil with Pulsar Transfers
by: Anonymous

Patricia,

Good question! I saw the reference to the green foil and think that it is meant for sealing decals on metal or signs, but I could be mistaken. No, I don't use the green foil. But the Pulsar transfers are great! Just a little pricey.

Make sure you get a solid layer of toner that transfers to the paper before you attempt to iron it onto your metal. If your design has half tones, or is not high resolution, it may not be strong enough to hold up in the transfer process. So, print out high resolution designs, and when you run the Pulsar paper through your copier, make sure it is set for the darkest copy possible without distorting the image. The results will be a slight mound of toner sitting on top of the Pulsar paper, if it is setup right. That will insure a solid transfer of toner on to your metal.

Happy etchings!

Virginia in hot, sunny Tucson, AZ
http://www.facebook.com/Virginia.Vivier
http://www.Esprit-Mystique.com

Different green foil
by: Patricia

The "green foil" I'm asking about is a different foil from the rub-on transfer foil. It is intended to seal the laser image once it is transferred to the metal so the image won't be pitted. Not a big deal to a jewelry maker but a big deal to a circuit board maker. You've really answered my question, though, that you only use the transfer paper, not the foil. Many thanks for all the information and sharing it with us! I love etching metal. Thanks for keeping us up to date on new products!

Rivets
by: Barbara in France

I'm dying to get started on etching after reading your instructions. But I'm intrigued about your riveting. How do you get those nice perfectly rounded rivets and what are they made of?
Thanks and I look forward to more of your tutorials.

Rounded head rivets & Hex nut rivets
by: Virginia Vivier

Barbara in France,

First of all I love your country! I have visited many times, all over, and am so envious! Wish I could spend more time there.

Regarding round head rivets - well, I cheat! I buy pure brass tacking nails at the hardware store. I put the rounded head on the front side of the pendant and then cut off the length of the nail on the back of the pendant to about 1/4 of an inch. I hammer it down gently to a domed cure, if possible.

Or, you can buy tiny brass hex bolts and screw them in with a hex nut. You can buy them in both brass and sterling silver. They really look nice.

Thanks for asking. My secret is out!

Virginia - www.Esprit-Mystique.com
www.Facebook.com/Virginia.Vivier

correction on typo for above comment
by: Virginia Vivier

I meant to say "domed curve" ! That's what I get for writing a 6 am before I am awake! Sorry for the confusion!

Virginia Vivier

Ferric Chloide
by: Nan

I haven't etched any silver yet but have been etching 14 guage brass to make pattern plates for my rolling mill. I've used all Cd/DVD pens and agree the staedler red is best; especially if I want a crisp design.
I've just started using PnP blue and have moved results.
Until I reread this I forgot about the fish tank air motor..so there was an unhuh moment.. No more gunk to clean out as often after a trip to Walnart.
I love etching, love making patterned metal for bracelets and other designs.
Thanks for th refresher!
Nan

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