How to Etch Metal with Vinyl Stencils
Learn how to etch metal! It's a similar process to etching glass, with a few distinctions - particularly the solution used to etch the metal (you can't use glass etching cream).
In this tutorial, we'll cover the steps on how to etch metal using vinyl stencils.
We are using this Farmhouse design from the Design Shop SVG and Font Bundle.
Cut your design from stencil material or vinyl. We used Oracal 651.
When you weed the design, remove the areas that you will fill with the etching solution.
We are etching this galvanized metal plaque from the Dollar Tree.
The following process can also be done with stainless steel. Just make sure the surface is clean before you begin - wipe it down with acetone.
Transfer the stencil onto the metal. Here, you need to make sure to burnish the stencil down really well. If the stencil does not extend to the edge of the metal sign, mask off that area with blue painter's tape to avoid getting etching solution outside the stencil area.
Be sure to wear gloves for this project, while working with the solution.
The solution we are using is ferric chloride. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions.
You're also going to need cotton balls and a small bowl.
Apply a small amount of the ferric chloride solution to a cotton ball.
Lightly dab the solution over the stencil.
Cover the entire stencil area with the solution by dabbing the cotton ball. Avoid rubbing it back and forth.
Place the used cotton ball in the bowl. Then apply more solution to another cotton ball and repeat this process for 15 minutes.
Take baking soda and pour it over the stencil.
Do this over the bowl to neutralize the acid on the cotton balls as well.
Rinse the metal sign in the sink and remove the stencil.
Here's another farmhouse style design that we etched onto a metal tag from the Dollar Tree.
You can grab the designs used in these projects in the Design Shop SVG and Font Bundle.
Watch the project video below:
PIN it for later:
