Sharpie Doodles on Copper

 Interested in getting more out of you etching experience? This DVD and the Book below are a great way to increase your knowledge base and skills.

 Once you get some etched pieces this book has many ideas how to make them into something special.

 I started off today with some crude doodles on sanded copper. Using a permanent Sharpie in 3 different sizes, I sketched some not too elegant graffiti.

 A backing of packing tape was rubbed on and left to extend to both sides.

 Hard to see in this shot but the tape is attached to the sides of the container and the metal is just below the surface.

 I checked after about 45 minutes and the etch was adequate. The etchant was allowed to drain.

 Then the piece was set into a plastic box and covered with baking soda to neutralize the acid.

 Next the copper was washed and scrubbed a bit after removing the tape. Since the color is dull and some of the marker is still evident, I took it to the fire bench.

It was placed on top of a steel screen on a tripod and flame painted. When all of the ink was gone and some color developed the metal was also annealed.

 This is just an intermediate step as more fun can take place on individual sections. First they are cut apart with light shears and trimmed down. Now the fun can begin. Next time I will show you what I do with the little sketches etched into the copper sheet.