Wednesday, April 27, 2016

How to Etch Copper

This video will show you how to etch your own computer design (or hand-drawn marker design) into copper.

You can use Ferric Chloride etchant for this, but I also show you how to make your own solution using Muriatic Acid and Hydrogen Peroxide.

First, you will want to prepare your copper by making sure there is no protective film (often times, store-bought copper has this to keep it from tarnishing). You can do this with Acetone, or by using relatively fine sandpaper.

If using a computer, you'll want to come up with your design in Photoshop or your preferred graphics software. I get many of my images from TheGraphicsFairy.com. This design will be printed onto the MATTE side of the blue Press-N-Peel.

If using a marker, simply draw your design directly onto the copper. The chemical will only etch the bare copper areas, and will resist the areas covered by marker. (NOTE: You can also use fingernail polish if you prefer this medium to using a marker.)

For more details, watch the video below: