Introduction to etching for jewellers

What is the course about?

You will learn the techniques of etching and photo-etching on to metal using resists and acid. Learn which images are suitable and how to prepare your workspace in order to work in a safe environment. You will have the opportunity to apply these techniques to create samples and transform the resulting images into wearable pieces.

What will we cover?

- creating and working in a safe environment for etching
- selecting suitable images for etching
- preparing the metal for etching
- applying resists
- etching with acid
- cleaning metal
- applying learned techniques and transforming images into wearable pieces.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- understand the processes of etching and photo-etching
- create a safe environment for etching and work safely
- choose suitable images for etching
- prepare metal for etching
- apply resists
- etch images into metal with acid
- apply technique and create wearable piece(s).

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is for beginners and makers wishing to learn a new skill. You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions to support demonstrations,hand-outs and for health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion. You should be able to use numbers and be able to do simple measurements and calculations.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught through demonstrations and examples of jewellery that show how these skills have been
implemented. You will be given technical notes, support and advice as to how your work can be developed.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Images for photo-etching will be provided for demonstration purposes during session 1 and throughout, but if desired some small, postage stamp sized, monochromatic pictures printed with black ink on to standard white paper can be brought along.
All the basic tools and equipment you will need for this course are provided. City Lit will also provide basic materials in reasonable quantities, such as base metals (copper, gilding metal, etc.) and other materials (paper,pens, etc.) chemicals (acid, pickle, borax, etc.) and sundries (polishing compound, etc.) You will need to provide your own metal if wishing to work in silver or on a large scale. If you have a piece you have made that you would like to work on – please bring it with you.

You are advised that sensible footwear must be worn in studio 308. For health and safety reasons, no sandals, open shoes & small pumps can be worn – even in hot weather.

Please bring along an apron and safety glasses.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

City Lit offer a wide range of short and year-long courses in Jewellery design and making, from beginners to advanced, and for professional development.

Suitable follow-on courses may include:

VV874 - Develop your jewellery design and making
VV692 - Introduction to bezel setting
VV415 - Jewellery: wax carving and electroforming

Your tutor will be able to advise you on your course.