Brilliant instructional video.Delivered in a calm unhurried and professional manner.A pleasure to watch.Moreover this video attracted many respectful comments which contained very interesting additional information.I have watched it often enough to have it etched into my memory.[Sorry,could'nt resist the pun].Seriously though,well done and thanks for posting.
Oh Danielle. Boy do I wish that I knew this technic 55 years ago. Thank you for the information and the wonderful presentation. I had a little trouble with the audio. I will do my best to pass this along.
Thank you everyone for the kind and encouraging comments. We are all learning from each other, which is awesome! I will be teaching this to my high school students starting in March. Very excited to implement new and exciting techniques that can be paired with this method.
I'm so glad I found this video! Thanks for taking the time and effort for this demo. I have seen over a dozen of other similar videos on this method but yours was by far the best!
This is such a great video! Thank you for making it. I have saltwater etched before with several problems and it did not work ... your video is so clear and concise that I feel confident to try it again!
Good video. Liked for future try. I was wondering about the eventual disposal of the metal infused water as well; thanks to Lola Yost and Danielle Benson-Fennell for suggestions how to handle that. I also have a suggestion regarding the liver of sulphur. You can rinse with water or neutralize the LoS by having a baking soda solution handy and giving your piece a good dunking in that or else the copper will continue to patina pretty quickly. For some that's what they want; others may wish to slow that patina process down a bit.
I am able to etch sterling silver by using a stainless steel canister with salt water. It does take a long time however; about two days. I also used a large 6volt flashlight battery
Thanks so much for this detailed demo! I'd never heard of this technique. I like that the solution uses no acid and it can be used "over and over again". Easier to dispose of too I suppose! I think I like the alligator clip method. Seems quicker, once soldered, than twisting the caps on and off for each project and probably easier for my arthritic hands. Would heavy duty clear packing tape, well burnished, work as well as clear contact "paper" for covering/resisting the back of the project? Thanks again!
When I tried this on copper, it worked beautifully. The video was great, with easy clear instructions. Someone asked if it works on sterling silver and was told that it does. I tried twice and both trials failed on sterling silver, with the stainless cathode as suggested. I did everything else the same. It seems there was definite etching going on but the sharpie resist did not at all hold up. Any suggestions?
I have not tried silver, I use a lot of scrap metals that are copper or brass. But all my research says stainless steel for the cathode for silver etching. If the sharpie did not hold, try Stayzon ink, or an industrial sharpie. Good luck!
I have some concerns about this process and I'd appreciate your thoughts on this... According to the metallurgist Midnight_cheeseater, on Reddit "Using saltwater as your etching electrolyte can be rather problematic due to competing side reactions. The main one, of course, being electrolysis of salt, which produces chlorine at the anode and hydrogen at the cathode. So you would have a toxic gas and a highly flammable gas to deal with."
+sakeith56 I did! Thank you for noticing. I use a modified s hook for the connectors. I love working with copper wire, I buy mine at our local metal recycling facility.
What is the battery holder thing you buy from radio shack, I am in the UK and sadly we don't have a RShack, loved the store when I lived in Canada :) Jackie
If your etch is not very deep, or if you use a heavy touch, you run the risk of sanding down the detail of your etch. But on the other hand, it lessens the toxic chemicals you're using.
Fantastic video, but you really should address how to dispose of the salt water solution after the etch. Not everyone is going to use the same solution over and over again, and it's probably going down their sink drain. The copper particles are toxic to our ground water, and should be disposed of properly. I dump mine into a large jar an and let it sit so the water evaporates off, leaving the copper particles in the bottom of the jar. I leave it outside during the summer where it evaporates quickly. In the winter months I bring it inside and put it under one of my benches. I used to store it under my kitchen sink but was told that even the salt water solution would erode any metal pipes under my sink, over time. Also, instead of a battery (which can get expensive), I use an old 'wall wart' so I can draw my electricity directly from an outlet. One of those adapters that comes with lots of small electronics. Cut the ends off and attach your alligator clips and you're ready to go. Can't remember the correct voltage off the top of my head, but you can google it. Thanks!
Interesting about the wall wart...always have tons of those around! As far as the copper infused salt (great question by the way!), I bring the salt after I have used it for about 6-10 weeks to my local metal recycling company. They properly dispose of it for me.
Thank you I have been very worried since doing this process and not knowing how to safely remove the by products from solution (I''m not even sure what they are). Thank you!!
Hi, I was wondering if any of the etched material that is left in the water requires special disposal? Is it just fine particulate of the metal or does the process make other compounds?
I use Liver of Sulfur. You can buy it through Rio Grande, rock form ( dissolve small chunk in warm water) or liquid form, also through the same company.
houtjeboom You can also use a variety of inks/colored pencils if you like to add color. Liver of sulfur is nice. I've recently begun using a variety of coloring, patina's...using alcohol ink, "Stayzon" ink, pencils. Once you color over your etched design just lightly sand with a high grit sand paper to remove the color from the raised part. With this medium, you'll need to seal it with something so color doesn't wear away. :) Liver of Sulfur should be sealed as well. Makes skin turn color on some folks.
IAMGiftbearer It works wonderfully on copper....but fyi, even with natural ingredients, when mixed or heated or whatever is trying to be achieved it will become a chemical anyway. Salt water/electricity/resist/metal chemical reaction. To do even this without gloves is not good. The chemical reaction can cause your skin to get very dried out and potential for sores. Please wear gloves regardless of the natural content. :) I'm trying to find something on if this works on Sterling. I'm afraid to do it, because I can't afford to waste the metal...I'm going to try a small scrap....but anyway... if anyone knows about this method on Sterling I would appreciate some feedback here. My youtube for some reason doesn't seem to want to receive notifications for now.
I can't wait to try this!!! I use lemon juice and salt for s pickle and this is also a safe & natural way to etch........thank you!!!!! It's like a science project!!!
+karen pridemore I am now going to also try the lemon juice and salt for the pickle. I really do not like the commercial one. Thank you for your suggestion!
Danielle Benson-Fennell BTW, there is no need to use a whole box of salt. It gains nothing. 1 or 2 tablespoons in a quart of water is more than enough to conduct electricity. Other safe electrolytes you can experiment with are white vinegar, washing soda (Sodium Carbonate) and baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate). Have fun. b.
what are you using for your pickle? because if you are using a traditional jeweller's pickle you should use a baking soda bath after the pickle and NOT use your hands to touch the chemical - it's a sensitizer which can make your more sensitive to chemicals in general!
Baking soda and water, usually for the ferric chloride, and I guess for salt water too, but I have used soap and water for the salt water method and it stopped just fine.
the battery is placed in a battery holder, which can be found at Radio Shack (if you can find one!!) or a hobby shop, or electronics supply store, online...
Danielle Benson-Fennell Thank you so much for your reply! Although I've made jewelry for 40 years and do it for a living now for the past 12 years I always want and need to try something new!
Danielle Benson-Fennell Thanks for providing the info about how to salt water etch sterling silver. Is there a particular stainless steel alloy that should be used, or will any stainless steel work? And could you use mild steel as well?
Andrés Fernández I've been too busy to try it! I make jewelry for a living so orders have to come first and experimenting and playing take a back seat unfortunately....
+Nadine Thola I teach hands on , and do not use handouts. But if you like , I could put the directions on here for you, or email them to you. It would be later, during the summer
Only if you use a transformer (like a wall charger) to convert to DC. Straight AC house current could (at best) give you a bad shock or (at worst) kill you.
![ILLSLICK X YOUNGOHM - We're The same [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yUJNkobYR0E/mqdefault.jpg)
WHY couldn't YOU be teaching MY science classes when I WAS IN SCHOOL?? Terrific. Thank You! There IS HOPE for the U.S. educational system.
Brilliant instructional video.Delivered in a calm unhurried and professional manner.A pleasure to watch.Moreover this video attracted many respectful comments which contained very interesting additional information.I have watched it often enough to have it etched into my memory.[Sorry,could'nt resist the pun].Seriously though,well done and thanks for posting.
Oh Danielle. Boy do I wish that I knew this technic 55 years ago. Thank you for the information and the wonderful presentation. I had a little trouble with the audio. I will do my best to pass this along.
Thank you everyone for the kind and encouraging comments. We are all learning from each other, which is awesome! I will be teaching this to my high school students starting in March. Very excited to implement new and exciting techniques that can be paired with this method.
I'm so glad I found this video! Thanks for taking the time and effort for this demo. I have seen over a dozen of other similar videos on this method but yours was by far the best!
Thank you very much! I had to find a safe alternative for my students and I. I appreciate your comment.
Thank you! This is the best demonstrational video of the technique I've found.
This is such a great video! Thank you for making it. I have saltwater etched before with several problems and it did not work ... your video is so clear and concise that I feel confident to try it again!
Thank you , and I hope you can share your results!
Nice work,simply explained,totally clear.Well done and thanks for sharing.May the road rise to meet you and the wind be always at your back.!
Good video. Liked for future try. I was wondering about the eventual disposal of the metal infused water as well; thanks to Lola Yost and Danielle Benson-Fennell for suggestions how to handle that. I also have a suggestion regarding the liver of sulphur. You can rinse with water or neutralize the LoS by having a baking soda solution handy and giving your piece a good dunking in that or else the copper will continue to patina pretty quickly. For some that's what they want; others may wish to slow that patina process down a bit.
+sahja324 I will try that! I personally enjoy the aging process, but I do keep the baking soda handy for first aid in my class. Thanks!
Thanks for this! Very easy to understand, and you cover all the bases. Great reference.
Thanks for the video. My etching was a success!
I am happy to have helped! Would love to see a posted piece of yours.. Thanks!
Danielle Benson-Fennell Does this work on Sterling?
Thank you for the tutorial awesome information, And I love that it's safe and there are no dangerous chemicals.
Thank you for this upload. I have used your tutorial a few times to remember as I always forget which is the annode and catode. Thanks :)
Thank you for this!❤ love your bracelet - do you have a video on making that?
I am able to etch sterling silver by using a stainless steel canister with salt water. It does take a long time however; about two days. I also used a large 6volt flashlight battery
+drbilbrey Awesome! Thanks for the information. I have people ask me this all the time. I only work with copper.
I use a salt bath for copper, brass, bronze, and a diet pepsi bath for silver (it's much faster!)
Alanna Robbins do you use Diet Pepsi and salt? What battery voltage do you use? Thank you!
Hello, the silk screen also works very well and creates the possibility to do the drawing you want.
Thanks so much for this detailed demo! I'd never heard of this technique. I like that the solution uses no acid and it can be used "over and over again". Easier to dispose of too I suppose!
I think I like the alligator clip method. Seems quicker, once soldered, than twisting the caps on and off for each project and probably easier for my arthritic hands.
Would heavy duty clear packing tape, well burnished, work as well as clear contact "paper" for covering/resisting the back of the project?
Thanks again!
Yes, any tape works fine, I have found. I have even used duct tape. Good luck and I hope you show your results! Have fun
Thanks for your quick answer. Hope to try this soon. TFS!
Would love to see more videos of this sort from you, in your spare time, of course.
This looks great! Can’t wait to try it.
How do you dispose of the solution when it’s been spent?
Very well presented. Thank you!
Great video, I didn't know that we can etch with salt water. It willhelp for my future etched stuff.
Thank you for posting this, can't wait to try it.
Very good teacher 👏
When I tried this on copper, it worked beautifully. The video was great, with easy clear instructions. Someone asked if it works on sterling silver and was told that it does. I tried twice and both trials failed on sterling silver, with the stainless cathode as suggested. I did everything else the same. It seems there was definite etching going on but the sharpie resist did not at all hold up. Any suggestions?
I have not tried silver, I use a lot of scrap metals that are copper or brass. But all my research says stainless steel for the cathode for silver etching. If the sharpie did not hold, try Stayzon ink, or an industrial sharpie. Good luck!
I have some concerns about this process and I'd appreciate your thoughts on this... According to the metallurgist Midnight_cheeseater, on Reddit "Using saltwater as your etching electrolyte can be rather problematic due to competing side reactions. The main one, of course, being electrolysis of salt, which produces chlorine at the anode and hydrogen at the cathode. So you would have a toxic gas and a highly flammable gas to deal with."
Hi Danielle,
Did you make your bracelet? I love the connector links between the round pieces of copper. Do you have a video on making those?
+sakeith56 I did! Thank you for noticing. I use a modified s hook for the connectors. I love working with copper wire, I buy mine at our local metal recycling facility.
What do you use to pickle.?? ...Thanks for sharing.!!
Thanks for the video, Danielle. Definitely going to try this. Can you do more than one piece at a time?
+Dee Hanson I can fit about 3-4 small pieces at a time, I suspend them on one wire. Good luck!
Thank you!!
Great video, ive done acid etching before but realy want to give this a go. Would it work on silver too?
+1990cupcakes I have never tried that, but it will work. There are some of the same questions above too that answer this from other people. Thanks.
What is the battery holder thing you buy from radio shack, I am in the UK and sadly we don't have a RShack, loved the store when I lived in Canada :)
Jackie
www.amazon.com/Velleman-BH142B-Battery-Holder-Terminals/dp/B001DAYJ76
Thank you :)
I think, using acetone to clean off the sharpie after etching would be better than sanding it off.
+deinesippestinkt I have never tried that, although it probably will work, I just have always sanded it off with a fine grit.
If your etch is not very deep, or if you use a heavy touch, you run the risk of sanding down the detail of your etch. But on the other hand, it lessens the toxic chemicals you're using.
Fantastic video, but you really should address how to dispose of the salt water solution after the etch. Not everyone is going to use the same solution over and over again, and it's probably going down their sink drain. The copper particles are toxic to our ground water, and should be disposed of properly. I dump mine into a large jar an and let it sit so the water evaporates off, leaving the copper particles in the bottom of the jar. I leave it outside during the summer where it evaporates quickly. In the winter months I bring it inside and put it under one of my benches. I used to store it under my kitchen sink but was told that even the salt water solution would erode any metal pipes under my sink, over time. Also, instead of a battery (which can get expensive), I use an old 'wall wart' so I can draw my electricity directly from an outlet. One of those adapters that comes with lots of small electronics. Cut the ends off and attach your alligator clips and you're ready to go. Can't remember the correct voltage off the top of my head, but you can google it. Thanks!
Interesting about the wall wart...always have tons of those around! As far as the copper infused salt (great question by the way!), I bring the salt after I have used it for about 6-10 weeks to my local metal recycling company. They properly dispose of it for me.
👏
Thank you I have been very worried since doing this process and not knowing how to safely remove the by products from solution (I''m not even sure what they are). Thank you!!
Hi, I was wondering if any of the etched material that is left in the water requires special disposal? Is it just fine particulate of the metal or does the process make other compounds?
Thank you very much! Please tell me where that I can purchase a dragon fly paper punch?
Hi nice video.... What solution did you put on the end to make the back ground darker?
I use Liver of Sulfur. You can buy it through Rio Grande, rock form ( dissolve small chunk in warm water) or liquid form, also through the same company.
houtjeboom You can also use a variety of inks/colored pencils if you like to add color. Liver of sulfur is nice. I've recently begun using a variety of coloring, patina's...using alcohol ink, "Stayzon" ink, pencils. Once you color over your etched design just lightly sand with a high grit sand paper to remove the color from the raised part. With this medium, you'll need to seal it with something so color doesn't wear away. :) Liver of Sulfur should be sealed as well. Makes skin turn color on some folks.
+Seaglass Barbara I love using alchol inks on copper too!
great video! what is the name of the font titles that appears at the beginning?
Awesome and affordable! Thank you :)
This is cool! Does it work just as well as etching with chemicals?
IAMGiftbearer It works wonderfully on copper....but fyi, even with natural ingredients, when mixed or heated or whatever is trying to be achieved it will become a chemical anyway. Salt water/electricity/resist/metal chemical reaction. To do even this without gloves is not good. The chemical reaction can cause your skin to get very dried out and potential for sores. Please wear gloves regardless of the natural content. :)
I'm trying to find something on if this works on Sterling. I'm afraid to do it, because I can't afford to waste the metal...I'm going to try a small scrap....but anyway... if anyone knows about this method on Sterling I would appreciate some feedback here. My youtube for some reason doesn't seem to want to receive notifications for now.
Is the 18 gauge wire that you wrap around the copper also made of copper?
khloe38 Thanks for watching. Yes, the wire is also copper. I buy all my copper at any metal recycling facility, Copper sells for about $4.30 per/lb.
Does it matter what size wire caps you use?
How long will this solution last for, to be reused before it's not very effective? Can you put a lid on it and use it the next day?
+Little Cherry Hill - Metalsmith I keep the salt indefinitely, If the water evaporates, I just add more. Works very well for a long time!
5:34 what was that?
Will copper stain skin?
I can't wait to try this!!! I use lemon juice and salt for s pickle and this is also a safe & natural way to etch........thank you!!!!! It's like a science project!!!
+karen pridemore I am now going to also try the lemon juice and salt for the pickle. I really do not like the commercial one. Thank you for your suggestion!
This was great!!! Thank you!!!
Please, could you tell me the reason to use distilled water? If I recon the water is saturated with table salt anyway.
You are probably correct. I was going off directions I had from when I first started, but have tried with tap water...no problem. Thank you !
very clever and fine woman.
Do you use scrape copper to etch brass or do you ne a scrape brass piece?
+Sharon B Copper is used to etch the brass, it does take longer to etch brass, but works great! Enjoy
can the leftover water be used to electroplate copper onto something?
absolutely, such as brass!
How do you attach the wire to the battery/battery holder?
I also have this question.
What size of battery I need if I want to etch piece of copper 10 by 10 inch???
I might use 2 D batteries. Awesome...good luck!
Does anyone know if this method would also work with the etching of pewter? The pewter alloy is 98% tin 1.5% bismuth and .5% copper.
+Liam Harder Yes, electrolytic etching can be used on almost any metal. Sometimes a different electrolyte might be required.
+Pelican1984 Thank you for helping me out. I have never worked with etching pewter, sounds fun.
Danielle Benson-Fennell BTW, there is no need to use a whole box of salt. It gains nothing. 1 or 2 tablespoons in a quart of water is more than enough to conduct electricity.
Other safe electrolytes you can experiment with are white vinegar, washing soda (Sodium Carbonate) and baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate). Have fun. b.
what are you using for your pickle? because if you are using a traditional jeweller's pickle you should use a baking soda bath after the pickle and NOT use your hands to touch the chemical - it's a sensitizer which can make your more sensitive to chemicals in general!
Baking soda and water, usually for the ferric chloride, and I guess for salt water too, but I have used soap and water for the salt water method and it stopped just fine.
Can this be done on silver & bronze metal clay
Great question, I have not considered, but I hope that I can research this more and offer advice!
can you use rechargeable batteries?
starlineks You certainly can. I buy my D batteries at the dollar store, cheap!
Would this work for stainless steel?
+Dena Scifers I have never tried this!
How are the wires attached to the battery?
the battery is placed in a battery holder, which can be found at Radio Shack (if you can find one!!) or a hobby shop, or electronics supply store, online...
www.amazon.com/Velleman-BH142B-Battery-Holder-Terminals/dp/B001DAYJ76
Nice! Thank you!
will this work with brass? thanx
Yes it does, but brass is hard, and takes a bit longer to etch. Have success!
How about sterling silver?
Sure! Just use stainless steel for the cathode (negative), everything else is the same.
Danielle Benson-Fennell Thank you so much for your reply! Although I've made jewelry for 40 years and do it for a living now for the past 12 years I always want and need to try something new!
Danielle Benson-Fennell Thanks for providing the info about how to salt water etch sterling silver. Is there a particular stainless steel alloy that should be used, or will any stainless steel work? And could you use mild steel as well?
GoldenRamMtlmstr How did it go? Did it work on silver with the stainless steel?
Andrés Fernández I've been too busy to try it! I make jewelry for a living so orders have to come first and experimenting and playing take a back seat unfortunately....
do you have printed out version of this? thanks
+Nadine Thola I teach hands on , and do not use handouts. But if you like , I could put the directions on here for you, or email them to you. It would be later, during the summer
bravo fah .
Lit
this eat up battery!!!
It's a safe and eco friendly alternative
I’m smelly
Can you etch aluminum this way?
Can I use house electricity??
Only if you use a transformer (like a wall charger) to convert to DC. Straight AC house current could (at best) give you a bad shock or (at worst) kill you.
I have seen on other sites, that yes you can, with some sort of adapter