Electro etching tutorial & experiments - making a logo

In this tutorial I’ll show how to etch metal with electricity and salt water. I also show how to make a stencil / template for etching and I tested how different power affects the etching process and show you the results. I also tried how vinegar affects the process.

The reason for this tutorial is that I wanted to learn new ways to decorate my future projects and electro-etching seemed like a good choice. I used paint to make mask for the etching, there are other ways to do it like tape and vinyl. The reason I used paint was that it allows me to me complex images.

There are multiple things affecting the etching process and I can’t tell the science behind everything, but these are my practical results I got from this experiment.

The most important thing I learned about safety is that the etching process produces small amounts of chlorine and hydrogen. With these voltages the amount is very small though. And you might have already seen multiple videos where people do this so I don't think it's that big of a deal. But I did leave the room while the plates were etching. I suggest you do the same or have respirator or well ventilated room.

For additional info, check these sites, they also contain info about safety (I am not associated with these sites):

Please leave a like if you liked the video. For more details just ask in the comment section!

#etching
#electroetching
#howto

Music from YouTube audio library:
Journeyman - Aakash Gandhi
Buccaneer’s March - Aakash Gandhi

[GarageKnight]

Hi! So I wanted to find some new ways to decorate my projects, so I decided to learn some electro-etching. Hope you like it! Just ask if you got any questions

[steveocvirek]

Thank you for showing us about using vinegar with the salt. I can't believe how well the results turned out with the vinegar. And I appreciate you taking the time to do the experiment.

[gs]

Thanks for the tips!
I'm working on an axe restoration right now, perfect timing to run into your video.

[primalmightkindred]

This is amazing. I am totally binge watching your channel right now!

[yemarican]

cool stuff dude.. I like that. the results were awesome!

[XxKINGatLIFExX]

This is a really great effect. The spray paint is genius. I have a lazer cutter machine which I think might work on the spray paint (not sure) but I used tape before and had problems with residue which altered the look.

[Xoroxouselric]

How would you add a picture to a pauldron for example? Like, would i be able to just print out a renaissance picture from the internet and try to transfer that onto a piece of armor and then etch that? Because i want to be able to etch a renaissance-esc picture onto my armor to give it the more medieval/gothic look.

[repented_muslim_]

Hey Good work 👍🏻, i wanted to ask you what kind of paint should i use cuz i can't find any alkyd spray paint in my country, there is only enamel and acrylic based spray paints, what should i do ?? i am so confused !!

[cris-cifs]

Bonjour à vous merci pour votre travail et le partage de votre savoir faire. Il y a un passage à la fin de la vidéo que je n'ai pas compris. Comment obtenez vous les finitions dorées apparaissant sur les contours du blason ? Merci par avance et bonne continuation. C'est un plaisir de regarder vos vidéos. Bonjour de France. Christian.

[JackieCraft]

Got any tips on keywords to google for finding a similar battery charger 😂 I saw another guys video say we needed to avoid modern “smart” chargers that won’t work unless sending a flow to an actual battery.

His was 10V though and I love the one you’re using! Makes me less spooked to jump in especially if I let some local kids try it out.

Thanks in advance! Also your videos are so top notch. I’ve watched tons of metal etching content and yours is mega educational.

[franz]

Que chulada, muchas gracias por este vídeo

[draganarc]

Stupid question, would it be possible to do a deep etch? Would it just take longer?
A friend would like me to make a brand for wood.

[BassManStrikes]

How do you prevent it from etching under the mask edges?

[alessandrodasilva]

Amazing job, congratulations!! what kind of metal did you use for?

[robb]

Great video and very informative thank you! Does the cathode have to be the same metal as the anode? I've seen lots of people using a copper plate for a cathode rather than steel?

[BassManStrikes]

So if you are etching aluminum the cathode should also be aluminum? What would happen if you used copper?

[kykkoko]

Hey man, nice work! One quick question: for how long did you let the current go in the last three tests (the one you made to test the vinegar)
? Was it 3 hours each or less?

[notsoelusive]

So is that a 1:5 salt water ratio and an equal amount vinegar to water?

[kurtsargeant]

Need to do a verbal instruction video with sorfter back ground music this one the music is to loud and the caption moves to fast .

[macdeath]

Very interesting video, but what is the metal used for the plate ? Is it Stainless steel, aluminium, zinc or any other stuff ?