Etching

[ps_bond]

Peter, can you be specific about which Sharpie pen is the right one. I just looked them up and they come in a variety of different types. Is it the enamel pen for example, or just one labelled permanent marker?

I've not seen the enamel pen... All I've used is the permanent marker. Give them a chance to dry adequately first though.

[Lindyloo]

Thanks for that Peter.

[AlexandraBuckle]

At uni I used to use 'stop out pens'

You can also use images photocopied onto acetate as a stop.

Use an upturned iron to heat the plate of metal to be etched.
Place the acetate image down onto the warm metal.
Once the image is 'melted' onto the metal, remove the acetate being careful not to smudge the image.
Let the metal and ink cool.
It can then be etched.

Appologies if this has already been covered in the thread! (I did read it a bit quick)

[Ominicci]

Am taking all this in for future reference as I would like to do etching, and have a rolling mill and.........

[amberdragon]

Hi, I've always used good old ordinary nail varnish, what us girls put on our nails. That always works for me.

[Coco]

Can you use other acid besides nitric acid? Coz I gotta say, no one's terribly thrilled at the concept of me bringing some home

[ps_bond]

Ferric nitrate is a safer etchant to use for silver. Safer, still fairly nasty though. Megauk sell it in reasonable quantities these days

[MuranoSilver]

Hi, I've always used good old ordinary nail varnish, what us girls put on our nails. That always works for me.

I've heard that works too

[Sunnybank]

I've finally got sick of working in the kitchen where I have to set everything up and then put everything away so etching is on hold until I've converted the porch into a workshop. I've got a car full of rubbish for the tip then the work starts on the bench.

Nail varnish sounds good, might be my first try.

[Lindyloo]

A porch workshop sounds lovely.