How to Etch Copper

Etching copper can be an interesting way to create an image, and it doesn't have to be a difficult process. Using today's computer technology, and adding a bit of your own intuition and artistic sense, you can etch copper and create a work of art.

Things You'll Need

• Laser printer
• Transparency sheet
• A copper-covered fiberglass board
• Wax paper
• Pressing iron
• Protective gloves and glasses
• Ferric Chloride (FeCl2)
• Plastic tray

Instructions

1. Modify your image through a photo editing program by changing the colors to gray scale. Use a high-contrast image. If you need to, modify the contrast levels while you have the image on the computer. Higher-contrast images come out clearer and sharper.

2. Shrink your image. The smaller the image, the better the quality resolution. Reverse the image before you print it, especially if you're working with text; the final image will reverse whatever you etch into the copper.

3. Print your image to a transparency sheet.

4. Work over the copper sheet with steel wool, until you've made both sides of the sheet shiny. Place the transparency, ink side down, over the copper.

5. Cover the sheet with wax paper and pass an iron over the whole thing for at least 5 minutes. To insure the ink transfers well from the transparency to the copper, be patient and don't pull the iron away too soon.

6. Wait for the board to cool. You can run the other side of the board under cold water if you want to cool it quickly. Once it cools, take the transparency sheet off and submerge the board in a plastic tray containing ferric chloride. Use a plastic tray that's larger than your copper sheet and allow the image to etch itself into the copper. This can take some time. Check on it every so often to make sure it's etching to your satisfaction.

7. Clean the board off with water, once you are satisfied with the image. Lightly buff it with steel wool, trim the edges and enjoy your image.

Tips & Warnings

• If you print the image to paper first, you can see how the image will look before committing the image to the copper sheet.

• Baking soda is a good substance for neutralizing the etching solution before disposal. Don't pour the solution down the drain because it will leave copper deposits in the pipes.