I have some obsessive tendencies when it comes to doing things....or maybe it's just that I don't want to pull out the supplies and equipment again....but I'm still etching. I've done 17 plates so far and will probably do a dozen more before I'm done.
I'm trying to figure out the best method for transferring the image on the PNP paper to the copper. In class it worked perfectly but then again I was working with little 2" squares. I've had some issues with the transfers....but I don't think I was using enough heat or using it long enough. Today I altered my technique a little and got better results. And sharpies work miracles in filling in spaces that don't transfer.
So I'll be etching all week...and then some.
Trouble is...once I get all the etching done....I'm going to be obessive about trying them all out with the bronze clay.
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2 comments:
Gail, how did you alter the technique to get better results? I've had hit or miss with etching - sometimes great, sometimes not, no rhyme or reason :)
Hi...I've had great results lately. The trick is getting the sheet metal hot enough and burnishing. The metal needs to be between 275-325 degrees. I use a small craft iron held upside down in a vise. My iron runs at 275..I measured it with an oven thermometer. I hold the metal on the iron with pliers and use the handle of a wooden spoon to burnish down the image. It has a tendency to get bubbles at first. Remove it from the iron and burnish the bubbles down...and return to the heat. You aren't done until you can clearly see the image through. Heat, time and pressure.
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