Introduction: How to Set a Permanent Etch a Sketch (like Pros)
As an Etch A Sketchist myself, I feel that the worst thing any EAS artist can do for themselves is to get too attached to one of their "Sketch Works". I've seen this happen before and artists have gone insane trying to protect their artwork. Just take a picture of it! Remember, an Etch A Sketch is a toy and we all learned from Toy Story that toys are meant to be played with.
However, I also understand that some of you might want to preserve your drawing out of sentimental reasons. So, here's my method on how to preserve your Etch A Sketch artwork permanently so that it can never be erased again. In here I will show you is how to, safely, open up your EAS and remove the powder and deactivate the knobs, so that your artwork will never be damaged.
Step 1: What You Will Need
1) Dremel Tool (with circular saw attachment)
2) Screwdriver set
3) Wedge/ Thick Flathead Screwdriver
4) Pinpoint Tweezers
5) Wire Cutters
6) Epoxy (or any other kind of super adhesive)
7) and of course an Etch A Sketch
Step 2: Remove White Knobs
First, remove the white horizontal / vertical knobs controlling your Etch A Sketch. Use the wedge or large flathead screwdriver to simply pry them off. As leverage, I suggest working away from the EAS's glass screen, as not to break it.
Note: If possible, try to do this step and step 3 (removing the Red Faceplate) before you begin drawing on your Etch A Sketch. Believe me, it will make everything so much easier if you do not have to worry about potentially erasing your artwork, when you're trying to open it up.
Step 3: Carefully Remove Red Faceplate
Alright, so against the red section and the black section of the Etch A Sketch there's a fine seam connecting the two. Using the Dremel saw, cut along this line but try not to cut too deeply or too jaggedly (you're going to be gluing this section back together). Then, using both the smaller and larger flathead screwdrivers, try and pry off the faceplate without damaging it.
Note: This is the hardest step in taking apart your Etch A Sketch, because the red faceplate is not easy to remove. If you already started a drawing, it's going to be extremely difficult to preserve your drawing without erasing it, while trying to forcibly remove the faceplate. My tip- Always keep your Etch A Sketch artwork face upwhen sawing.
Step 4: Begin Your Drawing
Alright, so now that you've removed the red faceplate it's time to begin drawing your artwork! Just reattach the white knobs to start.
Etch A Sketching may seem like a very difficult and time laborious process (and it is!) but I have a special method for drawing on an Etch A Sketch, that can save you both the time and effort of having to practice beforehand. I will probably post another Instrucable about my method in the future, so stay posted!
Step 5: Carefully Remove the Glass
Now that your artwork is complete, it's time to preserve it. You'll notice that the Etch is encased inside a black housing, which is protected by thin plastic sheet. Easily lift up the plastic cover and remove it. Secondly, you should see that the glass is glued in place with some rubberized cement substance. Use your pinpoint tweezers to remove the glue all around, and then carefully remove the glass keeping the drawing face up. Be very, very, very careful not to break the glass! If you do, the art will be completely ruined.
Step 6: Remove Aluminum Powder
Now you are left with horribly messy, easily staining, extremely radiant aluminum powder. Quickly throw away the powder away, safely. Then use the wire cutters to cut off the driving strings of the etch to remove the drawing pen and the metal rods. Scrub everything inside with soap and water. Then you can use a hairdryer or paper towels to completely dry out the inside. Make sure that there is no water residue left, or it can destroy your artwork!
Note: The back says the powder is "non-toxic". Not wanting to test this statement, I always use a mask and gloves when cleaning the inside. Also, to this guy [1], I am not liable for anything you use the aluminum powder for. Please get rid of the powder as quickly as possible.
Step 7: Glue It Back Together
Glue everything back up in the order you removed it (Black container, Glass Etch w/ drawing, Plastic Protector, Red Faceplate and Knobs). I suggest Epoxy to hold the glass to the black container, but for everything else, any other kind of strong adhesive will work.
And now you are finished! I wouldn't suggest doing this too often, as one should not get too attached to an Etch drawing (also the aluminum powder probably isn't the safest material to be exposed to) but good luck with future Sketches! Also stay posted for my next Etch A Sketch instructable where I will show you how to Etch A Sketch easily!
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45 Comments
12 years ago on Introduction
Wow! Those are some crazy detailed drawings for an etch-a-sketch! The best I can ever manage is a stick figure or something similar. Hardly worth preserving... Great 'ible, by the way.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
I've gotten pretty good at stairs...
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Lol, Yeah stairs are pretty cool too! In fact, this is what I'm planning for my next drawing
Reply 7 years ago
Funny you should choose that - here's my EscherSketch. Oops. Uploaded twice - sorry! Thanks for the info. I'm thinking of adding 3D line art to some etch-a-sketch drawings to really make them pop. I'd want to at least TRY to fix the frames first. I can't say that I'm dying to try this (I too tried to drain the aluminum powder from the back and have learned how nasty that stuff is), but I may need to do it to do the multi-media experiment!
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
And "Roller Coasters"
Just squiggles all over the screen :P
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Thanks kcls! I;m actually not really an artist or anything, I just really love toys!
9 years ago
I can name all the etch and sketch pictures there haha
9 years ago
This is like surgery on the the etch and sketch toy
10 years ago on Introduction
wondering how you pop the glass out? i have always done the "hole-drilling method" and am trying this and have picked as much of the glue out as possible and am terrified that im going to break the glass and ruin my artwork!! any help would be awesome :)
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
No problem! The best way to pop off the glass is to use tweezers and an exacts knife to carefully remove as much of the glue as possible from the edges, while keeping your etch face up and on a flat table. After you remove most of the obvious rubber cement/ glue you can take a small flat head screwdriver and pop it off.
I admit disassembly is harder to do once your artwork is finished, but it's still doable.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Finished! Thanks so much!
11 years ago on Introduction
Shift! - I want to thank you sincerely for posting this Instructable. I began working with Etch a Sketch as an art medium in Dec 2010, and your instructions have allowed me to preserve my works and basically launch a new career. I've been crediting your Instructable in all of my exhibits and would love to be able to give you due credit by name if you're comfortable giving me your name (though I understand if you'd rather not...). You could e-mail it to me if you prefer: artilden@colby.edu. Here are a few examples of my work; my website is https://andreatildenetchasketch.wordpress.com/
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
These are truly amazing ArtieEtch and your comment made me tear up a bit. Please check your inbox for a full response.
12 years ago on Introduction
Interesting project, but reading through the steps it kind of looks like if I did it my Etch-a-Sketch wouldn't work any more. Am I missing something???
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
You are correct, the Etch A Sketch wouldn't work anymore. In fact, that's the point of this entire instructable- in order to preserve the drawing, the EAS can not be functional. That's why, even though I devised this method, I rarely use it.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Oh, now I get it! Speaking of non-functional Etch-a-Sketches, when I was a kid I was shaking mine quite vigorously to clear it and smacked myself in the forehead with it. The glass broke (not sure, they're probably plastic now) and all of the magic dust spilled out on the floor.
12 years ago on Introduction
So it can still be shaken and nothing will happen?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Yep! You can shake it and turn the knobs to your heart's content, and the Etch A Sketch art will not be affected!
12 years ago on Step 4
I moved here to attend grad school, but only finished one year of my masters' at UBC. Met this great guy there (it's his alma mater). 19 years later, we're married with three kids.
12 years ago on Step 4
That looks like the clock tower at UBC. No?