Comments on: The “Must Learn” List: Etch Metal

By: Natasha Burger

Natasha Burger — Sun, 22 May 2016 00:33:59 +0000

Beautiful! Etching just got added to my bucket list!

By: Dianne

Dianne — Sat, 07 May 2016 20:04:33 +0000

Very nice! Etching is on my jewelry making bucket list! You inspire me!

By: Joan Williams

Joan Williams — Sat, 07 May 2016 01:21:21 +0000

Martha, it depends on several things, such as the thickness of the metal and the type of rubber stamp you’re using. Designs with thicker lines tend to show up better. The freshness of the ferric chloride plays a part, too. Although it can be used over and over, eventually it loses it’s strength and has to be replaced. I’ve heard that keeping it slightly warm while etching (like on a candle warmer) can make it work better. I usually start checking my pieces after 45 minutes or so – I just lift them out carefully by an edge and run my gloved finger over it very lightly. You’ll get to where you can tell by the feel if the etching is deep enough. Some pieces take as long as 2 hours though – it’s a lot of trial and error! Hope this helps 🙂

By: Martha Glover

Martha Glover — Wed, 04 May 2016 15:52:54 +0000

How long do you leave your pieces in the FC? I tried etching copper and left it in twice as long as the instructions said and the items still were not etched as deep as I wanted (and your appear to be).
Thanks

By: Dee Stillman

Dee Stillman — Wed, 04 May 2016 00:24:46 +0000

So pretty, Joan. Your finished pieces are inspiring me to try this again.

By: Dee Stillman

Dee Stillman — Wed, 04 May 2016 00:22:56 +0000

For Zoraida and all others interested in trying to etch – Ferric Chloride can be purchased from Rings N Things. They have a nice “kit” for beginners.
rings-things.com/Products/?search=ferric

By: Rena Klingenberg

Rena Klingenberg — Tue, 03 May 2016 16:26:10 +0000

In reply to Debra.

Debra – I like how your cats want to “help” you when you’re working! LOL!

By: Debra

Debra — Tue, 03 May 2016 16:24:37 +0000

Your etching is fantastic! I have been experimenting with etching too. I found a recipe online that uses Vinegar, Hydrogen Peroxide and table salt…three things that are always in my home when ferric chloride can’t be found. I do have safety concerns, because my cats always want to “help” me when I’m working…it is hard to sneak away from them sometimes – hahaha! I usually do this in the bathroom with the window open, the vent fan on and the door closed to keep my little darlings away from dangerous chemicals. I hope my next attempt produces results like yours! Very nice 🙂

By: Colleen

Colleen — Tue, 03 May 2016 13:36:55 +0000

Oh boy, another thing to add to my list!!! Thanks for sharing. Don’t you just love all the fun things we can do with jewelry making?! Great job!!

By: Joan Williams

Joan Williams — Tue, 03 May 2016 12:26:23 +0000

Thanks, Joanne! The process is kind of messy and unpredictable, but that’s part of the fun 🙂

By: Joanne

Joanne — Tue, 03 May 2016 11:35:35 +0000

I’d say you definitely nailed the etching technique! Nice work… beautiful pieces.

By: zoraida

zoraida — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:35:45 +0000

Thank you Joan! I will check out the site.

Zoraida

By: Joan Williams

Joan Williams — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:25:28 +0000

Thanks for your comments! Zoraida, at first I ordered a small 4 oz. bottle from Amazon, but then someone told me where you can buy it by the gallon, which is much more economical. It’s http://www.danielsmith.com.

By: zoraida

zoraida — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:02:46 +0000

Etching is on my list as well. You’ve created some beautiful things here! May I ask where you ordered the ferric chloride from?

Zoraida

By: Lisa Yang

Lisa Yang — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 03:18:51 +0000

I’ll add etching to my list. I love the Mona Lisa charm – but my Mom always called me ‘Mona’ when I was little.