The basis of Electro-etching - a simplified explanation*
By Alfonso Crujera and Bob Perkin. 2013
Text © A Crujera and R M Perkin
Electro-etching, or galv-etch, is an electrical etching technique which can be practised conveniently and safely at home without the need for expensive equipment.
This article presents some of the underlying ideas and terminology connected with electro-etching. It is not crucial to understand these principles in order to produce successful etchings. However, we believe that by presenting a simplified explanation, it may remove some of the mystery of the technique and assist in encouraging its wider use.
- Introduction
- Part 1 - Background
- Part 2 - Electro-etching
- Part 3 - Electro-etching with Sodium Chloride Solution as the Electrolyte
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Appendix A - Going Further with Electro-chemical Reactions and their Consequences
- Appendix B - Practical Safety Issues Related to using Sodium Chloride Electrolytes for Electro-etching
- Appendix C - What is a Toxic Chemical?
Two “giants” of science started their working lives in professions closer to home: Benjamin Franklin, scientist, diplomat and statesman ran a successful printing business and throughout his life continued to sign himself “Benjamin Franklin, printer”; Michael Faraday, regarded by Einstein as one of the greatest experimental scientists of all time, began as an apprentice bookbinder.
* An earlier version of this article can be found on the non toxic printing website managed by Friedhard Kiekeben.