Beginner Series: Etching - Finishing the Piece

Many of my pieces begin with a beautifully etched design. Over the years I have found what works best for me and thought I would share my process with you. This video focuses on finishing up the piece I created in my previous Etching Series Refer to my video at • Beginner Series: Etch... to see just how I apply the resist and • Beginner Series: Etchi... to etch using Ferric Nitrate.
See my available pieces at torchstonejewelry.com/
MATERIALS NEEDED:
etched design on sterling silver
6g sterling silver half round wire
TOOLS/PRODUCTS USED:
Jeweler's Saw: amzn.to/3iPNkKe
Jeweler's Saw Blades (I used 1/0)
Various files (I used #2 and #4 ring file and needle files)
#2 Swiss Ring File: amzn.to/3iUuPV6
#4 Swiss Ring File: amzn.to/3osCXwW
Bench Pin: amzn.to/3pvLe4Q
Varying grits of wet/dry sandpaper:
Third Hand: amzn.to/2MwAILI
Soldering Pick: amzn.to/3cfVABM
Torch (handheld butane torch works fine): amzn.to/3iTgOHd
Solder (I used easy solder)
Flux (I use Handy Flux): amzn.to/3prsbs3
Barrier Flux to prevent Firescale (Recommended but not required. Recipe below)
Cross Lock Tweezers: amzn.to/2Me2Bsd
Compressed Charcoal Block: amzn.to/3adMXoI
Heat-proof surface: amzn.to/2MdDmpU
Copper Tongs: amzn.to/3cloosH
Pickle Pot and Pickle Solution (Recipe I use below)
JoolTool with Scotch Brite wheel (optional): amzn.to/39m8FHU
Nitrile Gloves: amzn.to/3addYc3
Ultrasonic Cleaner (optional): amzn.to/3t1Dycq
Ammonia Solution (Recipe below)
Jeweler's Soft Brass Brush: amzn.to/3tcA870
Midas Black Max (www.riogrande.com/product/mid...) or Liver of Sulphur (amzn.to/36izAmh)
Cotton Swabs
Containers for water
Baking Soda
Silicone Polishing Wheel for Flex Shaft (optional): www.riogrande.com/product/eve...
Flex Shaft (optional):amzn.to/39mtK50
Buffing wheel for Flex Shaft (optional): amzn.to/3sXT3SZ
Zam Polishing Compound (optional): www.riogrande.com/product/zam...
DISCLAIMER: Links included in the Tools/Products Used list are affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting my channel so I can continue to provide you with free content.
RESOURCES:
www.amazon.com/
www.riogrande.com
jooltool.com/
AMMONIA CLEANING SOLUTION RECIPE:
2 cups water
2 tbsp. ammonia
1 tbsp. Dawn original dish washing liquid
Mix all ingredients together and store in a tight container. Best if used warm.
PICKLE SOLUTION RECIPE:
6 tbsp PH Down (found in pool section of Big Box Stores or Pool Supply Store)
3 cups Distilled Water
This solution works best heated and most simply use a Crock Pot to keep it warm. Add the water first and then add the PH Down Crystals. Stir until dissolved. You can simply add more distilled water as the solution evaporates.
BARRIER FLUX RECIPE:
Denatures Alcohol
Boric Acid
Follow these instructions for mixing/using: www.riogrande.com/article?nam...

[@hilishai]

You can paint the edges of the piece of metal you are etching with a sharpie pen . It can also be used to correct any little places where the resist has lifted or vanished. The way you photograph the video is amazing. Everything is so clear and beautiful to watch. Thanks again

[@hilishai]

Wonderful video. I love how you explain and show all the details of the work involved. Thank you

[@juliekbrooks]

That you for this video series. Not only was the lessons great, your camera work was excellent.

[@tammybaalman2429]

Thanks for the feedback Julie! It is greatly appreciated.

[@lisamack4492]

You are a tremendous teacher! Thank you for your kindness and generosity and then the written list was a wonderful resource. It is like a Christmas gift to all of us. Thank you!

[@tammybaalman2429]

Such kind words! I know to some it may seem like overkill, but I want to make sure newbies know what they need and where to find it.

[@joannamcdee9061]

Thank you!

[@minalshah119]

Excellent video! Thank you!!

[@tammybaalman2429]

Thank you so much Minal!

[@tracyskorka1479]

Wow, I loved this series. Amazing work! How did you learn your craft?

[@tammybaalman2429]

Thank you! I watched many youtube vides, subscribed to AttheBench by Andrew Berry, took a few in-person classes and just trial and error!

[@raerae6235]

Thanks for this series. I’ve tried to etch silver with ferric chloride and no luck so far. Will try this method. I see you brushing the piece with a brass brush and wonder if that leaves harsh scratches?

[@tammybaalman2429]

Ferric Chloride does not work with silver, it is used with copper. If you are etching silver you should use Ferric Nitrate. As far as the brass brush, it must be a soft jeweler's brass brush. It actually leaves a nice satin finish on the piece, no harsh scratches.

[@lenastiward8657]

Evidently there were no problems using easy solder for both joins so close together?

[@BrantK147]

Tammy, thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have a question regarding a different subject and haven't been able to find an answer. I am opening a store and I had some pieces custom made for my brand, however I didn't have a mark at the time. Now I have the pieces (necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings) and would like know if there's a way to mark them with my store's logo. Is there a way of doing this without damaging the pieces? Thanks again!

[@tammybaalman2429]

Hi Adrian! I'm not sure that I would attempt it if you weren't the maker. Often you will get an impression on the opposite side of where you placed the stamp which can be dealt with during the finishing process. Have you asked the maker for their opinion?

[@annreilly164]

what software are you using?

[@tammybaalman2429]

I use Silhouette Studio. I have the Business Edition because it has advanced features, but the free basic version gives you enough options to get started creating your own files for resist patterns. I have a 3 part video showing you how to use the software if you are interested. The first of the three is at kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJ_FqJ2ng7ilZrc. Hope this helps!

[@annreilly164]

@@tammybaalman2429 thank you love your video's I'm ready to give this a whole hearted try.

[@tammybaalman2429]

@@annreilly164, I hope you do and I would love to see your results!

[@gjk540]

You need to do a better job with your closeups. It was really difficult to see what you were doing.