Electro-Etching: Acid-Free Metal Etching

What you'll learn

Learn to etch designs into metal with our handcrafts courses in Sydney!

Step into the exciting world where science meets art with Electro-Etching: Acid-Free Etching. This course introduces you to a safe and innovative alternative to traditional acid etching, using low-voltage electricity and a conductive solution to produce crisp lines, bold textures, deep reliefs, and intricate designs on metal.

Guided by an experienced tutor, you’ll learn how to set up your own electro-etching projects at home or in a small studio with simple, affordable equipment. With a mix of demonstrations, hands-on practice, and creative experimentation, you’ll discover just how versatile and inspiring this process can be.

Whether you’re completely new to metalwork or already have some experience, this course will give you the technical know-how and the artistic freedom to create unique etched artworks safely and confidently. From jewellery to decorative panels, the possibilities are endless.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this etching course, you should have:

• Identify and select suitable equipment and solutions for electro-etching at home or in a small studio.
• Safely set up etch baths for silver, copper, brass, and steel.
• Prepare designs for electro-etching to achieve crisp details, clean lines, textures, or deep reliefs.
• Gain practical experience in preparing metals and applying a variety of -  Resists
• Learn how to adjust voltage, current, electrolyte strength, and etch time to control depth, speed, and detail.
• Apply safe practices for handling solutions and equipment, maintaining baths, and disposing of waste responsibly.
• Produce an etching in class with your own artwork.

Course content

What will be covered in this etching course?

•  Introduction to the principles of electro-etching and how it differs from chemical etching.
• Overview of essential equipment: Power sources, from simple batteries to rectifiers, electrodes and electrolytes.
• Design preparation and planning for successful artwork.
• Instruction and practical experience in preparing metals and applying resists  (Including UV film application, exposure and development).
• Guided experimentation with voltage, current, electrolyte strength, and etch time.
• Safe practices for handling solutions, maintaining baths, and disposing of waste.
• Setting up etch baths and circuits for individual projects.
• Creative experimentation with custom textures, jewellery designs,  decorative plates, and more.

Intended audience

Who is this silver jewellery course for?

This course is for beginners - no prior experience is necessary.

• Makers and creatives interested in metalworking
• Jewellery designers and metalsmiths
• Craft enthusiasts looking to expand their skills
• Complete beginners – no prior experience required
• Those with some metalworking experience wanting to:
  • Learn a safer approach to etching
  • Improve precision in their work
  • Explore environmentally conscious techniques

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

Please note: This course is held on the 2nd floor and is not wheelchair accessible. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Course materials

Materials provided

• Sample piece of copper
• UV photosensitive film, developer & waterproof tape
• Variety of resists (UV film/transparencies, marker pens, contact, tape)
• All equipment and solutions needed for in-class etching.
• Disposable gloves

What to bring to class

•  Pen, pencil, paper and permeant marker in 2 thicknesses (non water based)

  * You will need to bring a printed transparency of your chosen design or image. These can be printed in colour at Officeworks using their laser printer. The cost is usually around 20c for an A4 colour print and about 40c for a transparency sheet. Please note these prices are only a guide and may vary at the time of printing.

   Optional:  

• Students can bring any images that they are interested in etching. (On a smartphone or hardcopy)

• Resist materials (eg, vinyl stencils, acrylic paints/brushes, nail polish,

• waterproof tapes, contact, permanent markers, etch resist pens, wax).

• Stencils for creating artworks

• Transparencies for use with UV film. Vector images, printed in black and white (300 dpi), work best. Anywhere that is black will not be exposed and will rinse away when developing UV film. Clear/white areas of an image will be exposed/ hardened and adhere to the metal with exposure to UV light.

Tip: Use a high-resolution black and white image and print the transparency as a colour image.

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Closed-in shoes required
• Please wear old clothes
• Long hair must be tied back