Comments on: Etched Copper Bracelet

By: Mary Haven

Mary Haven — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 15:46:13 +0000

In reply to Linda. Hi Linda, see the comment below for a fuller explanation. I am learning to experiment, and, that failure is ok at the beginning. How else to learn?

By: Mary Haven

Mary Haven — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 15:45:24 +0000

In reply to Denise Grant. Hi Denise, thanks for the positive comments! I think the combination of the acid and peroxide do the job. I am not a scientist, but I would think the hydrogen peroxide would “activate” the acid a bit with all its bubbling and fizzing. (I might be waaaaaaay off base here, but it makes sense to me.).

By: Mary Haven

Mary Haven — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 15:43:24 +0000

In reply to Rita Muller. Hi Rita, thanks for the positive feedback. I explained my technique in fuller details below the bottom comments.

By: Mary Haven

Mary Haven — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 15:42:34 +0000

In reply to Elizabeth Reid. Thanks, Elizabeth! I used StayzOn from Hobby Lobby or Michaels. See full explanation at bottom of comments.

By: Mary Haven

Mary Haven — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 15:41:49 +0000

In reply to susan cowles. Thanks, Susan!

By: Mary Haven

Mary Haven — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 15:41:33 +0000

In reply to Joan Phillips. Hi Joan, see my comments below. Thanks for the positive feedback!

By: Mary Haven

Mary Haven — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 22:33:28 +0000

Hi all....thanks for the kind comments! I am totally new to this process, so to have the cuffs turn out the way they did was a real bonus! Can’t take too much credit....I perused Pinterest, YouTube and good old Google, and came up with the following “recipe”: 1/4 cup Muriatic Acid + 3/4 cup Hydrogen Peroxide, gently mixed in a flat container. DO THIS OUTSIDE due to acid fumes, and use rubber gloves! I used StayzOn, an ink found at Hobby Lobby for the resist. Tape up the back side of the copper, or acid will eat away at the copper back there, and leave a tape extension to hold on to as you dip the copper into the acid solution. Left it in solution for 25-30 minutes. Once done, soak in baking soda water to neutralize the acid. Then use acetone (nail polish remover) to rub off ink. Give it a patina, bend into cuff shape and run it through the tumbler. A good polish and voila! CAUTION: Muriatic Acid is just that. It is used to clean concrete driveways. Very abrasive and harmful to children and pets, and careless adults. And, I had to buy a gallon of it. I think it will last me a while! Be sure to dispose of chemicals properly to save our environment. A very brief description, but would be happy to answer any questions.

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 21:01:20 +0000

I would also like to know of this process of etching. What a quick and wonderful way to etch!

By: Denise Grant

Denise Grant — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 20:43:35 +0000

Gorgeous! I’ve used the muratic acid but have not heard of using hydrogen peroxide when etching. Yours turned out better than my attempts so must be a good addition 🙂

By: Rita Muller

Rita Muller — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 19:50:35 +0000

Beautiful! I love anything etched, or embossed. That raised surface is just gorgeous on both pieces Mary! I hope you share more on your technique with us. I know some artists here in FL use the acid to remove calcium build up in shells before making jewelry with them. Let us know how you did your whole process.

By: Elizabeth Reid

Elizabeth Reid — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 16:00:57 +0000

Very lovely, what did you use for the resist?

By: susan cowles

susan cowles — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 14:45:03 +0000

Very Nice!!

By: Joan Phillips

Joan Phillips — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 13:22:04 +0000

These are lovely! I’m not familiar with the technique. What does the murica acid & hydrogen peroxide do? Is it somewhat similar to using liver of sulfur?

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 11:00:43 +0000

Beautifully etched pattern on these bracelets, Mary! And I’ll bet your granddaughter loves having you borrow her craft supplies for your jewelry making!