How to Do Foil Etching

Etching on foil is an easy way for even the youngest budding artists to develop their artistic muscles and create a work of art that they can be proud of. Etching a design or picture on foil is so easy and the materials are so inexpensive that your young artist can make several foil etchings.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aluminum foil
• Dark tempera paint or acrylic poster paint
• Old margarine container, clean and dry
• Sponge brush
• Newspapers or old vinyl tablecloth
• Masking tape
• Popsicle sticks or twigs
• Cardboard
• White craft glue or glue stick
• Poster board or large construction paper

1. Cut a large piece of aluminum foil and tape it to a piece of cardboard.

2. Pour the dark tempera paint or poster paint into a clean, used margarine container and add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent.

3. Use the sponge brush to cover the foil completely with the paint solution. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

4. Scrape a picture or design into the dried paint with a Popsicle stick or a twig. Be careful not to scrap too hard and tear the foil.

5. Cut a piece of construction paper or poster board slightly larger than the etched foil picture.

6. Glue the etched foil picture to the construction paper or poster board. Display the etched foil picture proudly.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover your working surface with a layer of newspapers or an old vinyl tablecloth.
• Although dark colors work best, feel free to have fun and experiment with different colors.