Experiments in Etching, Part One

“Everyone has a ‘risk muscle.’ You keep it in shape by trying new things. If you don’t it atrophies. Make a point of using it at least once a day.”
~Roger Von Oech, author of A Whack on the Side of the Head 

I love to try new things. Trying new things almost always leads to new tools. And I love new tools {who’s with me on that one?}

In 2009 I decided that I needed to take a class called ‘Itching to Etch’ at the Bead & Button show. I loved the look of etched metal, and I thought it would be easy enough. Boy, was I wrong!

The chemical we learned with was ferric chloride. I felt like I had to be so ginger with the stuff, and then I had to neutralize it just so in order for it to be dumped after using the solution once. I liked some of the resists that we used but others didn’t work for me at all.The class was only a few hours, and I felt rushed. I remember coming away from that class discouraged because it seemed so toxic and cumbersome to etch metal. But I loved the look so much I just couldn’t let it go.

After I took that class I heard that there was a new way to etch created by the talented Sherri Haab. You may know her from one of her 25 craft titles, books like The Art of Metal Clay and my new favorite, Jewelry Inspirations. I checked out the booth in hopes of finding something better to discovered her newly released E3 Etching system. But at nearly $200 for the starter kit, I didn’t think I could justify it especially since I wasn’t sure that etching was for me.

But something about those metal pieces kept up their siren song and I just knew there had to be a better way.

Fast forward to spring 2010 and the plans for this year’s Bead & Button. Sherri was teaching a full day class on the E3 and there was an opening. I snatched it up. I am so glad I did! {Definitely recommend Sherri as an instructor… I had two full day, back-to-back classes with her!}

Sherri Haab is warm and funny and genuinely cares for every student in her class. She shares her knowledge willingly. She is innovative and ingenious. The E3 Etching system is her baby.

The biggest difference between more traditional chemical etching and the E3 is the little electrical current box. This patented invention is the brainchild of her talented electrical engineer husband who knew there was a better way to etch and found a way to make it safe, simple and effective. Voila! The E3 Etch was born!

The chemical that is used is a blue crystal that is mixed with distilled water. It looks like blue Koolaid. But don’t drink it! Copper sulfate is not nearly as toxic as the ferric chloride, but it will turn your fingernails blue if you dip your hands into it. {I know that because I can’t possibly be bothered with gloves}. The beauty of this chemical is that it is readily available…it is the same formulation as Root Kill that is used to pour down pipes to ensure that no roots are growing in them. Once you mix up a batch, all you need to do is keep straining it through a coffee filter to remove any debris. You can keep adding distilled water to it and it will work just fine. That, my friends, is brilliant!

The kit that I bought in the class {I told you I am a sucker for new tools!} comes with the blue crystals, a stainless steel pan and the E3 power controller to ensure an even and controlled etch. There are two wires with clips on the end and the power controller has a high and low switch {an on-off switch would be nice too}. And it took me 4 months until October to get the time and the gumption to actually use it {not bad…usually my record is 12 months to using a tool or bead that I buy!}

Here is the setup…

• Use a resist to apply a design to the metal {More on that in another post.}
• Mix the crystals with water. 
• Pour in the stainless steel pan. 
• Plug the unit in and attach the black clip to the pan. 
• {Here is the trickiest part..}Take the coated aluminum wire (provided) and bend into a zig-zag on one end. 
• Tape that to the back of the piece. {Okay, maybe this is the trickiest part.}
• Suspend the piece in the blue water using either the foam pieces to raise it or my favorite method, chopsticks. 
• Attach the red clip to the end of the wire.
• Set it on high or low depending on the quickness of the etch and the depth desired.
• Set the timer for ~20 minutes to one hour depending on the thickness of your metal.

Now walk away.

That’s right. Go do something else. Clean your bathrooms. Organize your spices. Or maybe even get some beading projects done or read a few blogs.

As it is etching you will hear a little buzzing noise, as if there is ringing in your ears. You won’t get electrocuted by touching the wires {I tried it, at most you get just a minor zap like rubbing your feet on the carpet and shocking someone}. There are only a few volts running through that controller.

When the desired depth of the etching is reached. Take out the piece and rinse it thoroughly in water.{Don’t forget the gloves! Or your fingers will have this perpetually grubby look to them.} It is environmentally friendly with nothing to dispose of. Scrub off the resist using steel wool and clean with an alcohol pad. Now you are ready to stamp, colorize and patina your metal.

It really is that simple.

I will continue in another post about the different resists that I used and what plan I have in mind for these pieces. Stay tuned!

Are you like me, in that you take a class, create something cool and then go home neglect to use that knowledge for some time {I like to think of it like slow cooking the idea…}?
Have you tried chemical etching? What do you think of that?
How much would you pay for a tool that does exactly what you need to do in a way that is reliable, safe and long-lasting?
How are you using your ‘risk muscle’?
Do tell!


Note: Erin Prais-Hintz is getting no compensation from endorsing the E3 Etching System other than the satisfaction that she can share her knowledge with the rest of you!

Erin Prais-Hintz writes about all things that inspire her at Treasures Found::Inspiration Is Everywhere. Her jewelry designs are one-of-a-kind made one-at-a-time. She collects quotes and dust and invites you to send her your favorite (quote – not dust!) to [email protected]. Check out her brand spankin’ new website at Tesori Trovati.