Etching a Copper Plate

[TheHaZMaTBand]

does this work for aluminum too?

[simpsonrms1]

Good to see someone cultured enough to appreciate good music.

[trekranger]

now what kind of acid is it. where can someone get it at?

[shortbusclw]

@trekranger I used Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric Acid) that can be purchased at most big box do-it-yourself hardware store. It's used to treat pools. It will be found in the pool section or at pool stores. There are better/more precise methods, but this one is cheap and easy.

[processassociates]

thanks for taking the time

[VerschiedenesArts]

you can use it as a stamp!

[breezebro]

Imagine what you could do with photo sensitive copper plates!

[magegirl8]

What's the point of that? Doesn't copper just oxidize after a while?I thought you were going to print that... it would have looked nice as intaglio... what kind of Marker did you use, and in what solution did you soak it?

[TheFutureLooksGrimm]

Congrats man, I imagine you two are married by now. :)

[tronclay]

dont take this the wrong way or anything but your wife came out looking like she suffers from some serious mental retardation.

[thx1103n]

it would have been a lot easier to print the image onto a piece of e3 paper then iron the paper onto the copper. after it cools u then soak it in water till u can rub the paper off. the printer ink is left behind then u etch. easy. well done on your drawing skills.

[MinnaMorgana]

... a Sharpie actually works?! The etching acid doesn't eat it away? Must test this out, doing intricate etching work with a brush and varnish-type substances is so much more time consuming :O

[shortbusclw]

@MinnaMorgana I had to re-apply the marker, but it works. You don't get the best etch, just something basic. There are definitely better options.

[trekranger]

@shortbusclw ya what are they?where do you get your chemicals?

[GearzVoNKod3]

@MinnaMorgana muriatic acid primarily reacts with metals. particularly, zinc, aluminum and copper

[synapse131]

I read on a site from an expert that a red CD marker works the best for a resist (Staedtler Lumocolor CD-R Pen) or you can use a copy made on a laser printer that uses dry toner (inkjet doesn't work) and then iron it onto the metal. Soak it in H2O to remove the paper (being careful not to remove any of the ink on the metal and touch up any areas with the above mentioned marker.) Much easier than reproducing the entire drawing by hand.

[synapse131]

The other option is to buy asphaltum and apply it as a resist for the mordant (acid.)

[NakashuriNinja]

drawing skills!

[hossnozzie]

how long did it take?

[shortbusclw]

@hossnozzie The etching took a couple hours. The marker work was probably about an hour. Nothing too bad.

[trekranger]

@shortbusclw where did you buy your chemiclas and what exactly did you use?

[peterfdrucker]

Congrats on the engagement & thanks for putting this up.

[shortbusclw]

@peterfdrucker Thank you. We're finally getting married next weekend. I'm glad you like the video.

[Audreyfrance]

Hello!

What is the pen witch you using for draw the picture on the metal. I've never seen this. i live in france. thank you by advance for your answer.

[shortbusclw]

@Audreyfrance It's just a black marker. The brand name is Sharpie. It's a permanent marker. Good luck finding one.

[rhondareece]

You can apply liver sulfur on the copper that serves as an antiquing chemical that will help to show the image more.

[synthmonger]

Hey you might want to try using 'press n' peel for etching. I use it for PCBs.

[shortbusclw]

Thanks for the great idea. That would definitely create a better picture.

[montedor1]

@synthmonger -Usualy I use Nitric Accid,instead...or less agressive Ferric Chloride.

[crazynaivideos]

where do u get Muriatic Acid

? And how much is it. I saw hydogen peroxide at the dollar store:|

[shortbusclw]

I bought my acid from Lowes. Similar to Home Depot. It can also be found at many hardware stores. Your best bet though would be at a pool supply. This is the same stuff people use in their pools. It's very dangerous, so make sure to use nitrile gloves, chemical goggles, and a lot of caution. Do not breathe the fumes. This mixture will also etch aluminum. Good luck!

[gorgrado1934]

Can you then press the image and create prints?

[shortbusclw]

I have not tried that application, but I'm sure you could. The relief of the etching is not too great, but with care it should work.

[Stilgar1973]

What is the chemical solution you used?

[shortbusclw]

The solution is 2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide to 1 part Muriatic Acid (pool acid or HCl).

[craynerd]

Hey nice etch. What is the marker your using that is stopping the acid penitrating the copper?

[shortbusclw]

I used a Sharpie pen. The red marker actually works better. I've also used paint.