Introduction: How to Metal Etch / Easy Metal Etching Using Electricity
In this video I share 2 simple ways how to metal etch using electricity. I use these same techniques on every metal restoration / modification project. This is so easily done and can substitute metal engraving with very minimal work. I have everything you will need to get started in the links below!
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
Cotton Swab Method
1. 9V battery- https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
2. Alligator clips- https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
3. Table salt- https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
4. Vinyl sticker- https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
5. Q-tip / cotton swab- https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
6. Rust prevention oil (yes it is sold as a beauty product, but also a great tool oil) - https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
7. Cricut cutter (not essential but totally worth it) - https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
Full Submersion Method
1. OLD battery charger OR this battery- https://amzn.to/3ru1V0U
2. Vinyl sticker- https://amzn.to/3ru1V0U
3. Table Salt- https://amzn.to/3ru1V0U
5. Plastic bucket/tupperware
6. Rust Prevention oil (yes it is sold as a beauty product, but also a great tool oil) - https://amzn.to/3ru1V0U
7.Cricut cutter (not essential but totally worth it)- https://amzn.to/3ru1V0U
8. Blackening the Metal Perma Blue- https://amzn.to/2LtT1kF
Step 1: Cotton Swab Method: Gather Supplies
For this Method You will need:
1. 9V battery- https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
2. Alligator clips- https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
3. Table salt- https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
4. Vinyl sticker- https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
5. Q-tip / cotton swab- https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
6. Rust prevention oil (yes it is sold as a beauty product, but also a great tool oil) - https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
7. Cricut cutter (not essential but totally worth it) - https://amzn.to/3tvffUy
Step 2: Clean Metal Surface
Using Acetone, clean the metal surface thoroughly.
Step 3: Cut Out Vinyl Sticker and Apply to Metal
Cut out the vinyl sticker using the Cricut cutter, or by hand. (I show you in the video exactly how to do this by hand easily). Attach the vinyl to the metal and make sure it is pressed down securely.
Mix the table salt with a small cup of water. Here I used around 4 table spoons of salt for a 4 oz. cup of water.
Step 4: WEAR Mask for ORGANIC VAPORS
This metal etching process gives off a toxic reaction. Make sure to always do this in a well ventilated area (outside is best) and ALWAYS wear a mask dedicated for organic vapors.
Step 5: Hook Up the Electrodes and Etch.
Take your alligator clips and hook them up to the 9V battery. Attach the POSITIVE lead to to the metal surface (away from the part being etched). Dip your cotton swab or Q-tip into the salt water solution. Then attach the Negative lead. Very slowly scrub around the metal surface you want etched. You should immediately see and hear small bubbles forming. You will soon begin to see black gunk building up along the surface. Scub throughougly the entire logo, making sure to scrub all the spots evenly. Once the black gunk builds up clean it off with a paper towel, get a new Q-tip or cotton swab and repeat the process. Do this until you can see or feel the etched metal.
For reference, I etched this small logo for around 20 minutes.
Step 6: Pull Off the Vinyl and Clean Surface.
Once you are done etching, remove the vinyl sticker and clean off the surface with water. Be sure to use some oil to re-seal the metal for rust prevention.
Step 7: Full Submersion Method: Gather Materials
Full Submersion Method
1. OLD battery charger OR this battery- https://amzn.to/3ru1V0U
2. Vinyl sticker- https://amzn.to/3rJApNh
3. Table Salt- https://amzn.to/3rJApNh
5. Plastic bucket/tupperware
6. Rust Prevention oil (yes it is sold as a beauty product, but also a great tool oil) - https://amzn.to/3rJApNh
7.Cricut cutter (not essential but totally worth it)- https://amzn.to/3rJApNh
Blackening the Metal Perma Blue- https://amzn.to/2LtT1kF
Step 8: Clean Off Metal and Attach Vinyl Sticker
Clean off the metal thoroughly using acetone. Cut out design and apply it to the metal surface.
Step 9: Prepare Items.
Fill large plastic bucket with enough water to fully submerge the metal item. Add a liberal amount of salt. (in this 5 gallon bucket I added around 2 cups of salt).
Attach a metal wire to a sacrificial piece of metal and submerge it into the solution. Attach another metal wire to the metal you are etching and submerge it into the solution.
Attach the negative lead to the sacrificial piece of metal (attach it to the wire above the water)
Attach the positive lead to the metal you plan to etch (attach on wire above the water)
Turn on your battery charger and or large car battery ect...
Step 10: Always Wear Organic Vapor Mask and Check in on Etching Periodically.
Just like in step one, this process creates a toxic vapor. ALWAYS wear a organic vapor mask. Check in on the etching periodically. You will immediately see bubbles coming from the sacrificial piece of metal. As time goes on you will see lots of brown/orange bubbles floating at the surface.
I would check the metal every 20 minutes or so. Always unplug the leads when checking.
For reference, I etched this piece for around 2 hours at 10 amps.
Step 11: Clean Surface - Metal Blueing
Once you are satisfied with the depth of etch, take out the metal and scrub it in water. If you want an even darker looking etch, use some blueing solution (link in previous steps) to darken the surface. Take off your vinyl sticker and reveal your etch.
Step 12: Protect the Metal
Use oil for rust prevention.
