How To: Etch Zinc

Etched Zinc has such a beautiful finish and I am excited to share with you today how you can do it with using the Amy Howard At Home Zinc Solution®.

Etching is the process of using strong acid or mordant to cut into the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design in intaglio in the metal (the original process—in modern manufacturing other chemicals may be used on other types of material).

Zinc is a piece of this metal used as an element in a voltaic cell.

Materials Needed:

Amy Howard At Home Zinc Solution®

Simple Green®

Paper Towels

Sheet of Galvanized Metal

T-shirt rags

Styrofoam bowls

Stencil

Amy Howard At Home Clear Wax®

How To Instructions:

Begin with your supplies.

Clean your metal well with Simple Green®.

Rinse surfactants off with water after degreasing.

Rinse well with water and wipe down until it is completely dry.

Pour your Zinc Solution® in a styrofoam bowl.

Make sure to wear gloves and have your t-shirt rag ready to use.

Blot on the Zinc Solution® over the entire piece in an organic composition. 

*Do not neglect the edges!

With your first application, the zinc will begin to separate.

Using the same rag, rub the Zinc Solution® in a circular motion to allow for the reaction to begin

Here you can see the separation of Zinc

As you continue to rub in the solution, the sheet metal will begin to change colors before your eyes

After circular motions, come back to an organic application.

 Add the zinc until your desired color is achieved.

Continue to apply until you start to get your desired look.

Come back with a dry rag and pat off any excess solution.

Pat off excess.

Let your piece dry down to a beautiful chalky finish.

Now it is time for your stencil!

Peel the blue backing from your stencil.

Apply the stencil to the piece of metal.

Use a putty knife to ensure adhesion.

Pull the backing from the stencil to expose the metal.

Your stencil is on!

Apply a second coat of the Zinc Solution® over your metal piece with the stencil.

The application is the same as the original zincing process (steps above).

Continue to apply until you have your desired color.

Pat off excess Zinc Solution®.

Now get your Amy Howard At Home Clear Wax® and a clean t-shirt rag.

To apply the AHAH Clear Wax®, use a cotton rag in a light circular motion.

After your AHAH Clear Wax® has dried, come back with a clean rag and buff.

Remove the stencil after buffing. 

Here we are slowly removing the stencil.

The final etched zinc piece!!

Such a Beautiful etched zinc finish.

Rescue, Restore, Redecorate™

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