Designing a steel plate or any other metal is a tough task, and only a few individuals are capable of doing this. This becomes cumbersome due to the use of acid as a means for etching the metal. Some metals that are easy to work with like copper and aluminum have become rare leaving the craftsmen with no option but to work with steel since it is not hard to find it. Therefore, before starting this kind of venture, you should understand these basic facts on metal etching Houston Texas.
Metals react differently when acid is poured on them. Before buying any of the etchants you should do a prior research on them and learn on how they react on the metal you intend to use. For instance, when you are working with aluminum it is highly discouraged to work with any ferric chloride. Whereas the same acid can be compatible with copper and silver.
Ensure that you have cleaned the metal piece you intend to work on properly. Most of the metals have burrs that may interfere with your design, and this can be cleaned up by applying a rough sandpaper until they are completely removed leaving a smooth metal. Additionally, avoid cleaning the side that you will not be working on.
Applying the design that you wish to have on the steel plate is cumbersome for people who are new in this industry. The method you will use to lay your design on the plate will determine its complexity. Replicating an image or design from another metal is easier compared to that prepared by drawing using free hand. However, it is highly illegal for you to etch the same image of another legitimate company without their permission because it will lead to prosecution.
In above project, you will need some materials to prevent some parts from etching when working on a design. The commonly used materials are adhesive tapes and ink for painting the back of the steel. Apply them wherever you do not want etching to occur especially the edges and the back of your design.
Having drawn and covered the unwanted parts for etching with the resists, prepare an acid bath. Put the workpiece face down the acid bath to get a design with a clear line. In most cases when a metal work is put while facing up in the acid bath, the end product is left with flakes which may interfere with the design. The steel should be left in the acid for some time for you to get the best results.
Wearing rubber gloves, remove the metal plate from the acid and clean it using baking soda. This helps in neutralizing the acid and making it safe for you to handle the object with a bare hand. For the painted and the parts that were covered with tape, clean them using turpentine for a smart final product.
By following these simple procedures, you will be able to come up with a masterpiece of your own. Moreover, the nature of this job involves a lot of risks, especially when dealing with the acids. It is imperative that you observe safety and precautions to avoid complications that may arise from contact with the acid.
Metals react differently when acid is poured on them. Before buying any of the etchants you should do a prior research on them and learn on how they react on the metal you intend to use. For instance, when you are working with aluminum it is highly discouraged to work with any ferric chloride. Whereas the same acid can be compatible with copper and silver.
Ensure that you have cleaned the metal piece you intend to work on properly. Most of the metals have burrs that may interfere with your design, and this can be cleaned up by applying a rough sandpaper until they are completely removed leaving a smooth metal. Additionally, avoid cleaning the side that you will not be working on.
Applying the design that you wish to have on the steel plate is cumbersome for people who are new in this industry. The method you will use to lay your design on the plate will determine its complexity. Replicating an image or design from another metal is easier compared to that prepared by drawing using free hand. However, it is highly illegal for you to etch the same image of another legitimate company without their permission because it will lead to prosecution.
In above project, you will need some materials to prevent some parts from etching when working on a design. The commonly used materials are adhesive tapes and ink for painting the back of the steel. Apply them wherever you do not want etching to occur especially the edges and the back of your design.
Having drawn and covered the unwanted parts for etching with the resists, prepare an acid bath. Put the workpiece face down the acid bath to get a design with a clear line. In most cases when a metal work is put while facing up in the acid bath, the end product is left with flakes which may interfere with the design. The steel should be left in the acid for some time for you to get the best results.
Wearing rubber gloves, remove the metal plate from the acid and clean it using baking soda. This helps in neutralizing the acid and making it safe for you to handle the object with a bare hand. For the painted and the parts that were covered with tape, clean them using turpentine for a smart final product.
By following these simple procedures, you will be able to come up with a masterpiece of your own. Moreover, the nature of this job involves a lot of risks, especially when dealing with the acids. It is imperative that you observe safety and precautions to avoid complications that may arise from contact with the acid.
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