What's Jeeks up to now?: Etching

First up on our news brief... what's up with Jeeks? :>)

Well, recently I wanted to learn a new way of designing pendants. So I read up on etching methods. Basically, one can transfer a design using printer ink, by hand drawing the image, stamping, removing wax, or even by using packing tape. Next etching solution is used to "eat" around the nonmetal components, or rather to "eat" the metal components. Two examples of solutions that can be used are ferric chloride or hydrochloric acid.

Side note: If you ever decide to etch on your own make sure you read up on the methods used. Be careful! If you make the solution yourself or buy them already made... read the MSDS, or safety information for each of the chemicals. Make sure you have the appropriate safety gear. And also find out where the chemicals can be properly disposed. You do not want anything to go wrong that could harm you or the environment. And also, if there is ever a spill find out the proper procedure that is used to clean it up. It is always good to know what you are working with. If you work with acids, find out what bases can be used to neutralize the solution and if it's a base find the acid. Also, it's good to know if any of the products of a reaction are harmful and how to deal with it appropriately. There's only one you and one world so protect them both!

Ok, so I didn't get to take pictures before the etching and ageing process, but here are some pictures of the product after those processes.

Completely black! The next step was to remove most of the oxidized or blackened layer. This can be done by using steel wool and/or a polishing cloth. And this is what it looks like now.

So, experiment done. Now I have 3 cool looking pieces of copper. The next step will be to file ruff and sharp corners down, make one or two holes, stamp the backs, and to incorporate them into a piece. However, that will be left for another time.

Jeeks