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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).
 
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.
 
 
 
 
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.
 
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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