How i prepare my copper for etching.

Hi there

I am currently learning how to etch metal. Because i love insects the motive for the etchings was easy to find.
The goal is to create some round shapes that i can use as inlays for the lids of some wooden cups.

I start by blackening the background and drawing the circles.

The next step is to search for the best layout by marking the centers of the designs.

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Now the fun (for me) part begins. I am drawing the design with a water-prove Ink on the copper.

The copper plate now takes some time in ferric chloride and after i washed and cut the parts they look like this.

These parts now have to be polished and cleaned and the ones that did turn out bad will go to a dark and fiery place. The other pieces of copper watch while they melt. This will teach them!!!!.... Sorry this happens from time to time.

I hope you enjoyed this little post.
have a nice day!