Acid Etching an Image

Acid etching an image on copper using PNP and Ferric etching solution. Choose an image to be etched. Using paint or photoshop convert the image into black and white. Adjust levels to darken the black areas and whiten the light areas. Invert the image and flip the horizontally. Print the image using a black toner printer only onto the matt side of a PNP sheet. Iron with matt side down onto a pre cleaned piece of copper.

The image will transfer to the copper through the heat of the Iron. Push out any air bubbles while you are ironing. Bubbles are indications that your iron is not hot enough or you have to iron on the area for longer. Peel off the PNP paper only when the copper is cold. Any area that did not take can be filled with a permanent black marker. Cover the back and sides of the copper with a tar paint or a good quality packing tape. This is to protect the areas you do not want etched.

Place the fully prepared copper sheet face down (image down) into a bath/container of the Ferric solution. Please use gloves, eye protection and an apron at this stage for protection. Brush the image being etched every 20 to 30 mins this releases any air bubbles and loose copper. Continue brushing until you have reached the desired etching depth. Remove the copper from the bath and neutralise the acid in a baking soda and water solution. The using sandpaper or a scoring pad remove the PNP resist and any other tapa or tar resists used. When dry the copper is ready for use. Samples shown are brooches using a brick wall photo and enamelled central panel.