Chemical etching refers to the removal of metal from the surface flux residues or oxides.This process involves the use of a solution of chloride salts of alkali or acid solution.Regardless of what the aggressive chemicals used in metal etching requires individuals utmost caution and accuracy, as these substances are quite dangerous and skin contact may cause chemical burns.Nevertheless, with proper preparation, this process can be carried out entirely at home.Pickling allows to reproduce whatever the story, lyrics, depth or relief ornament on virtually any metal surface.Products that are the result really worth it to devote to the study of this technology some free time.
essence of
metal etching can be a full, which is usually used for simple cleaning and partial, that is often used to decorate objects.In the latter case, to protect the sites that should not be subjected to this treatment, a so-called resist.Metal etching can be performed either chemically or galvanically.In the first case dipping into the solution.The treatment time depends on the desired etching depth and the type of material.After removing the metal washed thoroughly with cold water, which sometimes added an aqueous solution of soda.Because of this you can be sure that traces of acid will not spoil the result.
artistic etched metal
It was used in the Middle Ages to decorate weapons and armor.By its beauty products are often inferior to the handiwork of skilled jewelers.For this type of metal surface treatment of the second best, i.e. galvanic method.This method avoids the emission of harmful gases to humans that occur in chemical processing, and much more effectively, because it gives you the opportunity to edge etched pattern clearer.
galvanic etching practice
order to show their talent and to begin the process at home, the first thing you need to find the source of DC voltage is approximately equal to 4.7 volts.Ideal - household power supply with a switch.Then you get a tray of an insulating material, which will be in the electrolyte.The latter can be used as a saturated solution of common salt, but usually used for this purpose sulfate solution.Iron is used for iron and steel, and copper - for bronze, brass and copper.Metal blank is required in advance degrease.For this purpose it is soldered copper wire holding it dipped for 5 minutes in a solution of sodium hydroxide, heated to a temperature of 50 ° C.The workpiece is then transferred to several minutes in a liquid with a content of 15% sulfuric acid, and then thoroughly washed with hot water.Last preparatory stage - the preparation of mastic.In a tin box mix Var, resins and waxes in a ratio of 4: 2: 3 and melt until smooth.When it has cooled, wrap it in a thin cloth and a strong drive for a slightly heated harvesting as long as it is covered with a uniform thin layer.Once all this has hardened, apply watercolor paint desired pattern and scrape putty knife where should turn grooves.Now put it in the electrolyte by plugging in the terminal to the positive terminal and to the wire with a minus sign, suspend any metallic object, and also place it in the electrolyte.Upon completion of the etching Unsolder wire, wash the resulting masterpiece turpentine and do the final finishing (grinding and polishing).
