How to Hand Engrave Silver
Engraving a special message, word or picture onto a piece of silver can create a special treasure that can be handed down. Having your silver piece engraved professionally can be expensive, but there are alternatives to be able to do this at home. With a bit of practice on some scrap metal, you can make sure your finished project comes out just the way you want it to.
Instructions
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Thoroughly clean the piece to be engraved. That way, no debris can get caught in the engraving process.
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Use the marker to draw your design or words onto the silver. Try not to touch the marker ink on the silver, as it could smear a bit.
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Attach a diamond bit to your rotary tool. These bits are made with industrial diamonds and are good for etching because of their hardness. A good bit will help you make the desired lines cleanly.
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Engrave the silver piece. Try to always use the rotary tool in the same direction. This way, the flow of the design heads in one direction. If you do have to change directions, watch for burrs when the engraved lines meet.
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Clean off any marker that is left. This can usually be accomplished with water and mild soap, but if the marker is resistant, rubbing alcohol should take care of it.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear eye protection when engraving, as little bits of metal will be flying through the air.
References
- Photo Credit Dynamic Graphics/Dynamic Graphics Group/Getty Images
