How to Engrave a Metal Photo
To engrave a metal photo on a metal sheet, you should be able to draw or at least trace a picture nicely. It is difficult to create a lovely picture on metal without some amount of skill in drawing, tracing or sketching. The tools required for etching into metal require a steady hand and an ability to follow drawn lines precisely with a metal tool. When done well, an engraved metal photo on a metal sheet can become an unforgettable gift.
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Things You'll Need
- Tracing paper
- Desk tape
- Rotary tool
- Engraving bit
- Metal sheet
- Fine-tip permanent marker
Instructions
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Set a picture on a flat surface like a desk, kitchen table or drawing table. Use desk tape to tape the picture down at the edges to keep the picture from moving while tracing it.
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Place the tracing paper over the picture. Tape the tracing paper down on the corners also to avoid paper movement while working.
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Trace the outline and fine details of the picture using a fine-tip marker. Make sure the picture is identifiable after tracing. Carefully lift the tracing paper at the top by removing the tape at the top corners and peeling the tracing paper back. Ensure the bottom corners of the tracing paper remain taped in position to keep the tracing paper where it needs to be if changes need to be made.
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Set the metal sheet on the table and tape the corners to keep it in place. This might require specialized clamps if the metal is more than 1/4 inch thick. Use plenty of tape, maybe three or four bits on each corner.
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Tape the tracing of the picture over the sheet of metal. Tape the edges, not just the corners, to ensure the picture does not move at all. Make sure there is no slack in the paper, as this might cause overlap or skipped sections on the picture.
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Plug in the rotary tool. Begin to cut out the outside lines of the picture.
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Cut the lines out slowly, brushing away the shavings with each line cut. Once finished, remove the paper. Brush over the engraving with a cloth or a brush tool to remove any debris.
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Frame the picture as desired or leave it without a frame.
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Tips & Warnings
It is best to begin on one corner and work to the diagonal corner as the paper will become tattered with cutting and may get in the way.
Keep power tools away from children.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
