Copper sulphate mix for safer etching

This is a good replacement for etching acid. It is safer and cheaper than acid while still giving a good result.
Copper sulphate can be found in most gardening stores and was once used to etch knights armour.
After the printmaking department in the collage where I was teaching was shut down because of WHS concerns, I changed the whole studio.
Not using acid and other nasties was a good move as it made the classroom safer and more pleasant for students to work there.

[@carole2077]

Thank you. Please can you do a beginers lesson using a wooden spoon or something for those of us with no access to a press. I am loving your Demos.

[@snakeartistprints3870]

Great suggestion! I am planning some pressless print making videos

[@smilephotocopy6007]

how can get deep etch using this solution, because when i try for more depth it start losing detail. do u have any solution for this problem???

[@digitalbrayer]

Is the shellac you used for the aluminium etch - the same as you use for 'sealing' the collagraph plates?

[@snakeartistprints3870]

yes, these days I just add a dash of indian ink in for a bit of colour.

[@vincentcordelle3697]

So the recipe is copper sulfate and sodium chloride ?

[@SnakeArtist]

Yes, salt causes corrosion, and copper sulfate speeds up the process

[@digitalbrayer]

Have you had a go at using Copper Sulphate for spit bite??

[@snakeartistprints3870]

I have experimented a little with spit bite, not as good as acid, but interesting effect, video coming soon

[@digitalbrayer]

@@snakeartistprints3870 Oh that would be fantastic - I really would love to see that - I mean attempting spit bite on Aluminium or zinc. I di try it once but I think I didn't have the correct recipe.