# Etching and photo-etching

> Etching corrodes metal with acid or electricity in the unprotected areas to create designs and relief; photo-etching uses a photosensitive film.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/etching-and-photoetching/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-07-08
- Updated: 2026-07-16
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/mordentado-y-fotograbado/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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In etching, you draw with a protective resist that withstands the acid, and the bath corrodes only what is left exposed. The result is a design cut into the metal.

![Steps of the technique: Clean, Protect, Draw, Immerse, Watch, Neutralize](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/mordentado-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## Steps

1. Clean and degrease the metal.
2. Protect it with a resist (varnish, wax, vinyl or photosensitive film), leaving the design exposed.
3. Immerse the piece in the etching bath.
4. Neutralize, remove the resist and clean.

## Etchants

Ferric chloride is used for copper and brass; silver and steel use other, more dangerous acids. Electro-etching, with electric current and a salt solution, is a safer alternative.

## Photo-etching

A photosensitive film and a printed mask allow very fine drawings and lettering to be reproduced with photographic precision.

## Safety

Work with gloves, glasses and good ventilation, and neutralize acid waste and dispose of it according to regulations.

## Step by step

1. **Clean.** Degrease the piece thoroughly.
2. **Protect.** Cover with varnish or wax what must not be attacked.
3. **Draw.** Remove the protection where you want the design.
4. **Immerse.** Place the piece in the etchant.
5. **Watch.** Control the time and depth.
6. **Neutralize.** Rinse with water and baking soda; remove the varnish.

## Tools and materials

- Etchant (ferric chloride or diluted nitric acid)
- Protective varnish, wax or resist
- Plastic or glass container
- Gloves, glasses and ventilation

## Common mistakes

- Leaving the piece too long: detail is lost.
- Grease on the surface: the etchant acts unevenly.
- Mixing acids without knowledge.
- Pouring the etchant down the drain.

## See also

- [Hand and laser engraving in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/engraving-in-jewelry/)
- [Texturing metal surfaces in jewelry](https://www.711grados.com/en/texturing-metal-surfaces/)
- [Copper](https://www.711grados.com/en/copper/)