Acid Etching Aluminum for Custom Nameplates

To make custom nameplates for my work, I use a toner transfer process to etch graphics into aluminum.
The toner is fused onto the aluminum using a laminator. The covered areas are protected from the acid, leaving the exposed areas to become engraved.
Follow me on Instagram: / wesley_treat
TOOLS & MATERIALS FEATURED IN THIS VIDEO
▶ HP Laserjet Pro M252dw: amzn.to/2ur4kvA
▶ Pulsar Toner Transfer Paper: amzn.to/2s0WJpQ
▶ HP Glossy Premium Presentation Paper (CG988A) (A less expensive alternative, but not as easy to use.): amzn.to/2s15yzN
▶ Plaskolite Plastic Cutting Knife: amzn.to/2ikvjTN
▶ Lacquer-Stik Black Fill-In Paint Crayon: amzn.to/2IHjZCn
▶ Pittsburgh 36 Piece 3/8" Stamping Set: amzn.to/2v5ZK7E
For more detailed notes on the process, see the video description for my video on making custom circuit boards: • Making a Circuit Board... .
OTHER NOTES
▶ Why didn't I just etch all the nameplates as one piece, then cut them? Well, I tried that once and discovered that trying to etch too much metal at once causes too strong a reaction. The stronger the reaction, the more heat is produced, which strengthens the reaction even more, and the whole thing bubbles out of control, causing all the toner to slough off.
▶ For this batch of nameplates, I used Pulsar Toner Transfer Paper, especially made for the process, but you can also use the less expensive HP Glossy Premium Presentation Paper, although it doesn't slide off as cleanly. See above for links.
▶ I don't have a good metal shear, so I cut the aluminum blanks by first scoring them with a plastic-cutting knife, then bending them on my brake.
▶ Lightly sanding the aluminum isn't totally necessary, but it gives the metal a little tooth for the toner to stick better.
▶ I usually run the nameplates through the laminator 6-8 times, flipping them over each time.
▶ The ratio for the acid solution is 2 parts hydrogen peroxide (available at any drug store) to 1 part muriatic acid (available at nearly any hardware store).
▶ The packing tape prevents the backs of the metal from the acid, which, as I explained above, would cause a stronger reaction if exposed.
▶ The fan serves two purposes: first, it blows the vapor produced by the acid away from my face, and second, it tends to keep the acid from getting too hot.
▶ The clear coat protects the Lacquer-Stik from wearing off and prevents corrosion of the aluminum.

[@WesleyTreat]

Thanks for watching, everyone! See the video description for detailed notes. BTW, I don't know why my closing animation has no audio. It just does that sometimes and I didn't feel like re-rendering the video this time.

[@SDsailor7]

How do you dispose of the hazardous chemicals? do you neutralize them or do you take them to a place that accepts hazardous chemicals?Very interesting and informative videoThank you

[@Remurilusorio]

Can i use Vinyl instead of Toner transfer paper. Or Can I use regular transfer paper designed for Tshirt printing?

[@TrabajosL3on]

Saludos y bendiciones!! ✌️👍🙏🙏🙏

[@mikemontana7436]

I really appreciate the style of your videos - they're instructional by being demonstrative, no looping funky music track (SO APPRECIATED!) and voiceover only when necessary. Very enjoyable.

[@slaveNo-4028]

but I still dont know anything.. can anybody finally link me a tutorial or somethign? How does this witchcraft work? How does the etching differenciate between black and white? This is regular printer ink? HOW DOES IT WORK?

[@chrisadams628]

These look really good. I love the retro vibe.

[@SLAUGHTERKULT]

Great video and walk through of the process!

[@dfbess]

been binge watching these since i found your channel, i really like the look of these..

[@ZepLabs]

Great work! Content, editing, everything! Cheers

[@FlatsRequiem27]

Those look super cool. I love the idea of stamping the date/serial number on it. It makes me really want to start doing that for my projects. Can't wait to see how you do it with the CNC! Keep up the good work!

[@avrilharvey9233]

Greetings how do I get in touch with you?

[@tarickman]

Awesome! I will be binge watching your channel tonight lol

[@ThomasZachary]

Beautiful production values!

[@TheHopkins73]

Love all of your videos. You are very talented sir. Keep em coming

[@sauletto1]

Excellent video format and production !

[@IONHowTo]

Artwork looks nice! Will try this. Thanks!

[@cheeto4493]

In doing circuit boards, I've found glossy magazine paper to work about the best and cheap too. It doesn't slide off, but after soaking, just a rub of the thumb usually leaves just the toner with a thin layer of paper attached to the toner.

[@RobinGingerich]

Wesley, these are wonderful videos.... I was just last week looking for a similar solution

[@Restorology]

This is incredibly informative. Thank you for sharing.

[@michigandave9680]

Impressive work. BIG thanks for sharing.

[@devildogpete]

Like a BOSS. Great work man.

[@StreetMachine18]

Word of the day... "Pharmacological" thanks for the video

[@zhangyichao4612]

I can't stop watching your video.

[@JesusRules247]

Interesting to see the same results being made in a different way. We cut and etch with two different laser machines, then infill with a flatbed uv printer. Keep up the good work.

[@JeffGolenia]

Wow, that really works a treat.

[@MarcelDiane]

Just a minute, add this to my to do list....... Hey that was great! Thanks for sharing.

[@lakeschoolrestorationchann1567]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@adinshankar7549]

Faster then CNC ! Bravo....Man

[@dchambers986]

Great video - nice work.

[@JSBIRD69]

Thanks for sharing Wes! God bless you Son!

[@briandimmitt4314]

You used to come into my job all the time! Thia is so crazy that your this successful! I can’t wait to spend all afternoon watching your videos man!!!!

[@WesleyTreat]

Really? Where did you work?

[@briandimmitt4314]

Wesley Treat Einstein bagle bros!

[@WesleyTreat]

@@briandimmitt4314 Ah, yes! I started cutting back on eating out. Then, the whole pandemic thing hit. I'll be back someday!

[@MarcelDiane]

Are you going to show us how you make your new labels on your CNC next?

[@beauxtx1959]

REALLY slick!!!

[@wxfield]

That's cool! I never thought to use Muriatic that way. I do something similar but with a laser etcher. The transfer sheets and muriatic is WAY cheaper however.

[@undecidedusername9191]

I know you mentioned you were going to be using you're CNC for future name plates. But just a tip if you take old vinyl release liner and cut it to size then run regular toner on it. It works better then any other type of papers.

[@ser7ser7i]

3:00 Perfect, you win, 24 hit super combo finish.

[@danielmiller2977]

Your channel is really cool.

[@paulhang3550]

amazing technique

[@w0rthless6]

looks great!!

[@thedude6736]

Looks absolutely amazing. Is this some special kind of toner? sorry in case i missed it, cheers!

[@KowboyUSA]

Cool stuff.

[@linkinprk1981]

Almost exactly 3 years later -- Aug 3 2020 -- 99.9K subs.... Almost to 100K!!!!!!!! Go go go!!

[@marizal]

great tutorial. what type of laminating machine do you use ??

[@accelwell7018]

Loved it.

[@syedalishanzaidi1]

Thank you so much for this video. It was very clear and helpful. I have a question: If I wanted to etch a whole A4 size sheet of text on a copper plate, how would I do it, and what equipment would I need?

[@shannondefriese9598]

While I have a laminator, I also have a heat press which provides good heat and pressure. I wonder if that would work as well? You could certainly do a lot of them quickly at one time that way.

[@ser7ser7i]

Thank you. Peace and love.

[@mathom31]

Bourbon is definitely medicinal.

[@tammastrongbear]

I love your channel. great tip i think i am going to try to make some of my own. Keep up the great content i know i am hooked. and bourbon doesn't count in my book.

[@caspergibson699]

I don't know where ya'll are from but where I'm from Bourbon is considered a medical necessity!

[@yemarican]

B E A utiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@rickdearmont9950]

Very cool!

[@anandjs1504]

very nice job.

[@Aerospaceman]

When will you come out with a video on making enclosures for electronic projects from molds ? That should be cool!

[@MarkATrombley]

Wow, that is a labor intensive process.

[@WesleyTreat]

Nah, not really. I can do a batch of these in about 30-45 minutes. And most of it is sitting down.

[@joell439]

Mark Trombley, that was exactly my thought. But there is something super cool knowing it was hand made. Please do share your new process too if you find the time. It would be nice to compare.

[@lskanon863]

You are amazing. Thank you!

[@michaelpaul721]

Great video . Thanks subbed

[@patchworkpants]

Very cool! Can you etch all the way through and still get a nice clean line?

[@99cutter]

You're like the cool dad I never had

[@WesleyTreat]

Your mom's name isn't Cheryl, is it?

[@gemmology]

Very informative video

[@TanNguyen-zn2rz]

very nice !

[@myislamicway251]

Wonderful sir

[@greatbasingoldrush]

Cool video

[@raulegido]

nice video. Quick question. After you apply the lacker with the stick it doesn´t need to be coated with a varnish? or it does dry and you can leave as it is. Thank you

[@cameronempey8350]

I'm going to totally try this :)

[@asadshahgardening661]

my dear very wonderfull work

[@raymeixner4506]

I love this guy

[@jmchez]

Your videos have got to be the sharpest and best lit of any DIY channel on YT. They are crystal clear! Any info on what camera and lighting rig you use?

[@WesleyTreat]

Thanks! Right now, I use an EOS M3 with a kit lens and these lights: amzn.to/3n8zO6j

[@WesleyTreat]

Sorry, I just realized the M3 was my older camera. I'm using an M6 now.

[@CBatt191]

Very cool. What software did you use to design the nameplate?

[@leonardofaure4839]

Hola como estas excelente video gracias por compartir tus conocimientos,que ácido se usa para este trabajo.Gracias(Leonardo de Argentina 🇦🇷👍

[@martinoamello3017]

Many years ago my father had the opportunity to start what at the time would have been one of only a few printed circuit board companies in the US (He worked for a small newspaper at the time), but he passed citing having a family to support and didn't want to take the risk of failure. The newspaper eventually folded and he went onto other things that technology eventually swallowed up. For many years he's regretted not doing so. I was at the time still in diapers. Now dad is 90 and I'm in my 60s..

[@aaronr5675]

Great video! Always wondered how to do this. I'm going to use this technique for an Aliens xenomorph defence locker I'm making.

[@aanadv]

Nice...good a job

[@wonderboy9587]

I like that the way you process of aluminum plate let me know others if ever 20x30 inches of plate it could engraving accurate?

[@vun54321]

EXCELLENT THEREPY

[@frederickmiller5492]

I do the same process with copper, brass and bronze. It's nice to know you can use hydrogen peroxide and muriatic on the aluminum. Ferric Chloride is way too strong on aluminum and usually pulls off the resist. Excellent video - thanks!! (BTW - that lacquer stick is amazing. I've never seen those!!)

[@rubenproost2552]

For aluminium just muriatic acid is enough actually. The peroxide is only needed for metals the acid isn't strong enough for like copper.

[@rimmersbryggeri]

@@rubenproost2552 what about washing soda?

[@rubenproost2552]

@@rimmersbryggeri No that is too mild. Some use salt water and electricity with the part to be etched on the negative pole. Citric acid, lye or vinegar may also work on aluminium. When in doubt try it out with some aluminium foil.

[@woodandwheelz]

What about disposal of the chemicals? Is one of them safer than the other to simply dump down the drain (after neutralizing) or do they have to be neutralized as best you can and disposed of at a chemical waste station?

[@DieKatzchen]

I too am strongly interested in disposal. Basically the only thing holding me back from doing my own etching is "how much of a pain will it be to safely dispose of this?"

[@Cole-xq2tl]

1:03 you need to watch more This Old Tony videos. His stuff cutting technique is superb:D

[@39FORTYWATER]

Always wanted to know how to make these. Wow

[@billyproctor9714]

Have you tried using white vinegar for cleaning 2 part epoxy from your hands. 10% works best, but 5% will work too. Thanks for the videos, Billy in Canada

[@alanhoggard4554]

It's funny, I saw this and thought, this guy looks like me, then hey, I have the same glasses. Wait, I have that exact same shirt, lol.

[@friedmule5403]

You are funny, interesting and keep me from going to bed when I should!! :-) Is it possible to do the same on brass?

[@wdj935]

Nice!!!

[@RichardCraniumRules]

Interesting video

[@baljazz]

Would you be able to use a 3d print as a resist in order to save material? Or maybe wood. Not sure if it will eat through it. Trying to etch .25 inch stainless steel using the salt water electro etching method. Thanks.

[@ShivaThangavelu]

what was the tool and supplies that you used at the final step to rivet the finished/etched label to the metal box and where can i get it?

[@shaunsanders9673]

Great tutorial! Thanks. Just btw, the Pulsar transfer paper doesn't work in the amazon brand laminator. The metal plates get pretty hot, but the transfer does not occur at all. So I guess I'll try a different paper. Okay, I tried a different paper, but everything I try leaves the toner partially stuck to the backing paper. I'm wondering if there a certain type of laser cartridge required. The image only ever partially transfers, even when using a range of heat and time settings with the iron. Disappointing.

[@smnhpkns]

Awesome

[@vernonbosshard9317]

Is that a printable etch resist you printed out? Or what was it? Used to run an etching company back in the 80s, we made plates in high quantity. Brass, stainless or alum. We had a nice camera to make film with to apply over KPR (Kodak photo resist) for ultimate fine detail. coat the metal with KPR, lay film on top in a vacuum glass holder, expose, develop, then ready to etch. Its a lost art.

[@BenLujin]

I wish someone on Etsy or something like that did these. I’d probably order a bunch

[@shaunbarnett2972]

Hi Wesley. I'm wanting to etch right through aluminium to create a stencil with which to burn my name/insignia into wood using a gas flame torch. The problem I can foresee is that the middle parts of letters enclosed completely by etching will be lost and it won't look right. Do you know if there's a way around this other than to use a graphics program to join up all the middle parts manually as with traiditional stencils?

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

really cool thanks. clear instructions

[@TylerWhelen]

You take your subscription and get out of here! Fantastic video!

[@grantparker4642]

Wesley. Would a vinyl sticker have the same protection effect? I have a round object so not sure how I would heat transfer to the round object

[@patrickmccoy4496]

I need those exact size and font of the metal stamps you were smacking with the hammer. Haven't been able to find them. Thanks. Great video!

[@WesleyTreat]

There's a link in the video description. You can also get them at Harbor Freight.

[@andrewnoblett9510]

Hello and thanks . Is the ink in the photo copper just standard ink

[@the4thj]

Hey Wesley, could this work with electrolysis instead of acid?

[@karzankerkuki4935]

amizing 👍

[@jmaxwell522]

What gauge aluminum did you use for the plates? I'm working on Metal Business cards but having trouble with etching them via acid or sale water methods, this bath method might be better, or I could move to aluminum instead of steel.

[@honestinsincerity2270]

What kinda drill bit was that? Reminds me almost of a vicks bit but I don't think it's meant for that purpose

[@mmuzamiljamilmmuzamiljamil2631]

❤good wark

[@VIJAYKUMAR-ix1ro]

Thanks

[@mytech6779]

How deep is the 5 minute etch? I need it deep for info recovery after long term outdoor abuse, even after the clear and laquerstick has weathered away and the tag beat up by wind and sticks.

[@cutflower36]

Can you use a regular laminater to laminate those?

[@andyh7537]

If you don't have a nice press brake like that, a tablesaw with carbide-tipped blade works great.

[@anikidwolfy]

Use something to vibrate the tub to agitate the bubbles off the etching (scrap PC fan with 1 blade removed, old phone with a vibrating alarm), comes out spot on for small details as any bubbles that stick is displacing your etching liquid.