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ETCHING PROCESS - TRADITIONAL METHOD | |
V.Ryan © 2014 | |
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Traditionally ‘etching’ is a process, whereby acid is used to slowly remove the unprotected surface of a metal such as copper. If carefully controlled, detailed patterns can be achieved (see examples below). |
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The pattern is produced by applying a ‘resist’ substance to the surface of the copper. The resist can be beeswax or shellac. A sharp tool such as a scriber, is used to ‘scratch’ a pattern into the resist, removing it where acid is to ‘eat into’ the surface. |
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When the drawing / ‘scratch’ is complete, the copper is placed in a suitable acid, in a glass container. The acid slowly dissolves the surface of the exposed copper, producing the pattern. This can take hours. |
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Copper coated in beeswax or shellac. | |
Scriber or similar tool used to scratch a pattern. | |
Final ‘scratched’ pattern | |
Copper placed in appropriate acid. | |
After etching, the copper is removed from the acid and rinsed with clean water. | |
Clean the copper surface with wire wool. | |
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