Electrical Etching: An easy, clean and long-lasting way to etch.

This video is about Electrically Etching silvers and copper-based metals using copper sulfate and silver and copper nitrates. The solutions presented don't emit dangerous gases like with acid baths or saltwater electrolysis. They are less messy than ferric chloride and they last much longer.
Create pattern plates for the rolling mill or add beautiful texture to your metal.
Resists can be nail polish, paint pens, vinyl, PNP paper, photopolymer resists, etching grounds, and more. Many people use Sharpie pens as a resist but, they do not last long in the solution. Even the Industrial Sharpies don't hold up. In this video, I used a sticky-backed vinyl: amzn.to/2LjEsKU and punched shapes out of it with, well, punches! amzn.to/2Lj1TUB
To make your own electrical etching machine, please see my video: • How to Make an Electri...
Materials for etching
Copper sulfate:
www.carolina.c...
Copper nitrate, aka copper II: 500 grams (1.1lb): amzn.to/3JmFWm6.
Use for silver - better with sterling and Argentium. Also, use with copper, brass, and bronze. Filter before storing.
Silver nitrate: Shorter life than copper nitrate. 25g: amzn.to/3KO3ArQ.
Steam pans:
1/4 size, 2.5" deep steam pan: amzn.to/2GLRcY4
1/6 size, 2.5" deep steam pan: amzn.to/3ie73nu.
Chopsticks:
amzn.to/2KTxsUz
N95 particulate mask:
amzn.to/3MZg6Xx
Chemical Resistant Nitrile Gloves (med.). In the video, I mention not using latex but, latex gloves, designed for chemical protection, are actually fine. Not all nitrile gloves are rated as chemically resistant. Check with the manufacturer. Below are two types of acceptable gloves:
Nitrile, Chemical Resistant Gloves (med.): amzn.to/3we5cau
#4 Filter Holder (Melita style): amzn.to/3ifBlWU
#4 Filters: amzn.to/3qfob0j
Chemical Resistant Goggles: amzn.to/3MUpyv7
Brown Reagent Storage Bottle: Plastic, amzn.to/2GNPG7C
Brown Reagent Storage Bottle: Glass, amzn.to/2LpE7ai
Check with your local waste disposal company to learn how to properly dispose of chemicals.
Please, please, please, wear appropriate safety gear.
For more information on jewelry making/metalsmithing please see:
NancyLTHamilton.com
Nancy LT Hamilton on Instagram
Pinterest for images of my work: / my-work-the-things-tha...
Thank you so much for watching!
(I am working on an etching page that will contain a lot more information on electrical etching and the chemicals used. Finishing this page could take a while as there is a lot of information to cover and I, like you, am a busy person). Please refrain from negative comments if I haven't finished web pages (or videos) when you want them. I appreciate your patience. Thanks!

[@audreyh6628]

Thank you so much for always taking the time to go through the proper safety precautions of what you're doing. I'm so disturbed by how many KZbinrs I see teaching people unsafe working methods, particularly in regards to fumes and chemical reactions. Thank you for your generosity in teaching us X

[@shirleywalle5595]

Valuable video. It scares me how many people are using the saltwater, thinking that, because it is just salt, it is safe. I almost used the salt - dozens of instructions online about it, "totally safe", blah blah blah. But I kept reading..... Thanks for taking the time to do this video, Nancy. Hopefully it will get circulated.

[@rocki_bb]

The saltwater bath can be safe if done in a well ventilated area or under a hood that removes the fumes from the room (not just sucks them up and spits them back out in the same space)

[@djinman1837]

Thank you, Nancy. I've been contemplating etching for a while and I too thought, oh salt water, that's going to be great, no chemicals...but no! There is so much info about everything that is only half-baked, which makes having a reliable go-to person a double joy! Thank you! xoxo

[@cyrusnoe6709]

I guess I am pretty randomly asking but do anyone know of a good place to watch newly released series online ?

[@SilverGoth]

Thank you for the excellent safety information. I am going to bookmark this video and come back again and again to make sure I’m doing it right!

[@allanthompson9695]

Thanks Nancy for some ultra important information that some people seem to be completely unaware of. ATB.

[@amandathompson4692]

Thanks for another great tutorial. I have been looking into switching to electrical etching from just chemical and I had no idea about the risks associated with salt water. I won't be doing that now. I'm so appreciative of your videos and website and know how much time is involved in just the researching process. I don't know how you have the time to do all that you do unless you don't sleep! You must be extremely efficient (I tend to have some ADD). I admire your thoroughness and focus on safety and especially the generosity of sharing your time and knowledge. I feel like you are my metalsmithing mentor even though I don't know you except from your videos.

[@stormyeffects4795]

I really appreciate that you started out with safety stuff

[@kathybradbury]

Thank you for your generosity in sharing your knowledge with us! I love patterned silver, and I’m eager to try etch!

[@tineschrijvers3174]

Thanks for all your very well done & informative videos. I live in a remote-ish area and getting to places to take workshops is expensive. I love your opening!!!! Always makes me smile. After I watched one of your videos for the first time I immediately subscribed and I also follow your web page which is also fantastic. Such a lot of work to do the videos and your social mnedia sites; it is so greatly appreciated.

[@AndyDaviesByTheSea]

Hi Nancy, thanks for this. I like the way that you get a deeper understanding of the processes that you demonstrate beforehand. By the way I was looking into etching not only for jewellery making but also for printing, a bit like lino cutting, I've done it with copper and silver but I want to try it with aluminum to print some Christmas cards. Happy Thanks Giving from the UK. Kind regards . . . Andy

[@jackiedavies3751]

I also have to say thank you Nancy for the warning about salt water etching, I did do some research but hadn't come across this warning, maybe I didn't research deep enough. I am so glad I watched this as I already have upper tract emphysema, now I'm wondering if this is partly due to using a fume cupboard with silver nitrate but no mask at University, I leaned over the bowl to brush with a feather as we were advised to to improve the etching, I spent all of the Christmas holidays with the weird sore throat..... So take note everyone listen to the experts advice always!

[@13yaroza]

I’ve been having trouble figuring out how to do this. Thank you for the fantastic video as normal!

[@ziggiezag938]

I'm still a little confused about this, but I'll watch it a couple more times before I ask any questions. You are looking GOOD!

[@_bubblezzzzzz_]

Thanks, I was planning on doing the salt water etching and am glad I came across this. Other videos said do not inhale but I wasnt aware of the extent of the risks.

[@yvonnemairose6100]

Thank you so much for this thorough video on the toxic dangers. I know this vid is 4yrs old, but hopefully someone can shed some light. I am a new jeweler and I had a situation where I used a brand new tripod with a screen mesh. Instructions didn't say to clean it. I had great ventilation and exhaust in the room yet after soldering a piece on the brand new tripod/mesh, my fire alarms went off even though there was no smoke and then I felt sick for 24hrs. Any one else has had this happen? Thanks!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Actually, I've had that happen too with new steel. Galvanized steel is coated with zinc. I found this scary information at www.cmac.com.au/blog/5-things-to-welding-galvanized-steel-safely#, "Metal fume fever - When welding galvanized steel, the zinc coating easily vaporises (sic). This will form zinc oxide fumes that will mix with the air. This gas may give short-term effects to your health which is also known as “metal fume fever”. Welders may experience flu-like symptoms once they inhale the fumes. These may include nausea, headaches, high fever, shivers and thirst. The symptoms will usually go away within 48 hours of exposure." I'm guessing this is what happened. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

[@yvonnemairose6100]

@@NancyHamiltonJewelry Wow thank you Nancy. I wholeheartedly appreciate your time in responding to my question and thank you again for all your fantastic content. I wish I had a teacher like you near by, but alas, your videos will do for now!!!

[@alynneloup7707]

Thank you so much you are so positive and encouraging.

[@jewellerymagic]

Thanks for sharing. I enjoy watching and learning from you and the cat!

[@rocki_bb]

If you think your silver nitrate is almost spent (fully converted to copper nitrate) you can drop in a piece of copper wire. The remaining silver in the solution will grow crystals of silver on the copper wire.

[@terrybrau2977]

Thank you for another great video Nancy T!

[@msrvfx]

Thanks Nancy. Good thorough presentation.

[@NataliaTimoshenko_Wtug]

Браво!!! Какая у Вас сегодня замечательная прическа! Обожаю Ваши Видео! Наполненные позитивом!! Благодарю!!!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Спасибо за ваши добрые слова!

[@cheliae8560]

Thank you for the chemical warnings. Appreciate your chopsticks hanging tip.

[@pendaofmercia7892]

Your intro is brilliant!

[@elizabethr4035]

Thanks Nancy. Appreciate the safety info; would also have liked to have seen how you set up the art work to be etched. How did you create the pattern and what did you use as the resist? (You mentioned vinyl…)

[@flyingcheff]

Darling, your house is melting, how do you have time to do videos for us? You are a saint!

[@ingenia-tec5194]

Thank you very much for your video, Thanks a lot.

[@djinman1837]

Yep, love the new do, too!

[@jowens3548]

Hello Nancy! Do you have new links &/or resources for the Copper Nitrate you would recommend if using it? It seems the links here are no longer valid. Thanks in advance.

[@RobertGlotzbach]

Thanks a lot Nancy for your video's and You :-) Maybe etching will be a good solution for my designs, do you know if this will work on fine gold?

[@karensmith4739]

Thank you 😊

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Thank you!

[@mikema9311]

Thanks for the update on salt etching will be using ferric chloride with a bit of citric acid and also copper nitrate eels safer

[@mamaddoesdinner4977]

Thank you Nancy ❣️

[@dianazaalberg1993]

Thank you so much Nancy!

[@jenniferking8549]

Hi Nancy! What type of vinyl did you use for the design?

[@LEO-xo9cz]

I've made some lamps and want to age the copper and mark it what is the best method?

[@NicoleLisaGreen]

Thanks for the info. I was using a salt water etch probably about 3 years ago in my kitchen. It makes me sick to think of the exposure my husband, pets and myself received.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

I feel the same way. Once I found out what I was brewing I cringed!

[@judyfountain7187]

Nancy I love your hair!!!

[@theresedignard7445]

[@LEO-xo9cz]

Very informative.

[@annetteleeuw9018]

Hi Nancy, Great video but what type of battery are you using? It's out of the video range.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

I did a video on making your own electrical etching machine. The link is at the end of the video as well as in the description. Hope this helps. No battery.

[@kowannaparran7381]

Can you use any of these solutions to etch on steel? Will the solution last if used to etch steel? TIA

[@pdelmercado]

Your hair is gorgeous!

[@lnaperez6682]

Gorgeous! Thank you

[@ziggiezag938]

Okay, I got it now. (I hope). Which resist did you use in the video?

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

I used punches to punch out sticky vinyl shapes. amzn.to/2LjEsKU

[@Leena79]

I've been planning to try this for a year now, and I finally have the time (yay, quarantine) to get started. I have one question: could you somehow use this to electoplate copper - I use silver solder with copper and I'd like to hide the colour difference. 💗

[@1duskyknight]

And all that safety talk while using an Asbestos Pad without respiratory apperatus.

[@Zathros32]

finally in on the start!!

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

I don't understand your comment but, (I think) Thanks!

[@Zathros32]

i subscribe to you channel but don't necessary follow chronologically, i look up subjects as i move into the skills. I was just excited that i found a new video when I was looking into that technique and could be one of the first to comment....sorry, kinda nerdy....

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

No Probs Lee! I get it. Just didn't understand your post! Glad you got first rights!!! Thanks.

[@Shivkumarsingh-yv9qw]

How to gold etching ?

[@1998foxpad]

Can you provide links to the info saying saltwater etching is unsafe?

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Here's one: www.greenart.info/galvetch/contfram.htm (See the link to the complete PDF, below). Another: www.metaldetectingworld.com/make_electrolyte_p15.shtml. Wikipedia discusses the chemical reactions that occur producing chlorine gas, hydrogen gas and more. The part regarding this is under the heading: Process of Electrolysis. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolysis. This page discusses what chemicals are produced during the process, sodium hydroxide (lye), chlorine gas, sodium chlorate (bleach), and hydrogen. revisionscience.com/gcse-revision/chemistry/acids-bases-salts-electrolysis/electrolysis-brine. Full PDF of Green Arts page : www.greenart.info/pdf/appendixcdraft.pdf. (A lot of his links are out of date but, the chemistry remains the same.) Hope this helps.

[@1998foxpad]

@@NancyHamiltonJewelry thank you! Will share with my lecturers

[@samirpasic6836]

Hello Can somebody tell me how many times i can use the same ferric chloride ??

[@deby7821]

OMG, I love, love your hair, and your project is also beautiful !, but this scares me..never been a ballerina .

[@CrowClouds]

First 0:05 of the video: subbed. Lol

[@MichaelSeeds]

You forgot about the tertiary reaction. Cl2+H2O→HOCl+HCl.

[@garywhaley4040]

When did copper sulphate become copper sulfate? Is this another Americanism that we Brits have to put up with or is it a trade mark?

[@bmcwill68]

What do you use as a resist?

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Depends on what type you are using. You can paint nail polish on, draw with a paint pen, put waterproof stickers on, etc. Anywhere that there is paint, polish, paper, etc., will not etch. You can also paint on a layer of "ground" on the metal (see link) and draw into it with a scribe or similar tool - after it dries. All the lines, that cut through the ground, will be exposed in the electrolyte solution and will etch. You can try something like this with acrylic paint. Lightly sand the metal first. Paint on a layer, dry, and draw into it with the stylus. Acrylic isn't ideal though. An etching ground chips less and lasts longer. Here's a link to etching grounds: shop.takachpress.com/BIG-Etching-Ground-75ML-p/big-ground.htm Check out directions. Here's a link to my photopolymer page: www.nancylthamilton.com/techniques/etching-with-photopolymer-resists/.

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

I used sticky vinyl: amzn.to/2LjEsKU

[@tineschrijvers3174]

@@NancyHamiltonJewelry Do you think sandblasting resist for glass would work as well?

[@TVBASICINFO]

You should make your intro into a music video, mix the stuff you do into a fun video..... girl power & knowledge 🙂

[@przybyla420]

Chlorine gas is a chemical weapon is it not?

[@NancyHamiltonJewelry]

Yup!

[@benlabarre5547]

It’s also a byproduct of cleaning a pool or public tap water. The amount of gas released is important as to wether or not it is dangerous and this video doesn’t touch on that aspect at all. Spoiler: it is an infinitesimal amount and negligible even over a long etch with a stiff breeze or adequate ventilation. Hydrogen gas is also a byproduct of saltwater etching, again, not enough is made to be an issue. A small fan anywhere in the room would be an overcompensation for the quantities made. You would have to size this up to an industrial scale before seeing a byproduct that might effect a human working on a piece.

[@saru.........]

intro 👀

[@rebelzenart1406]

Scary stuff!..

[@donsven.1]

Very beautiful woman 🌹

[@aldosandrin4265]

È inutile sparare dei titoli in italiano se non siete in grado di metterci almeno dei sottotitoli tradotti, razza di barboni!