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'A tome of the newest advances in printmaking for today's environmentally
conscious art students, master printers, teachers, and artists' (Amazon)
with 2 to 3 volts D.C. and make it a point to never go over 3 volts DC (direct
current). We found our salt etching times were very comparable to ferric chloride
ten minutes in ferric was about 10 minutes in our salt etch. We recommend test
plates be etched in your own salt etch to find best times for your particular set up.
We also tested the salt etch after approximately 30 copper test plates were etched
in it. We compared identical copper plates, one etched in this well-used salt water
mix and the other plate etched in a new, fresh mix of distilled water and salt. The
results were nearly identical, which leads us to believe the salt etch can be used
many times before being replaced with fresh water and salt.
WASTE DISPOSAL CONSIDERATION
An unavoidable consequence of the etching of any type of metal intaglio plate is
the proper disposal of spent etching solution and sludge. The safe handling and
disposal of electrolyte from Salt Water Etching is simpler and less hazardous than
other etching solutions.
To clean the tank, first allow the water and salt to sit overnight so the copper
residue settles to the bottom of the tank (see photo). Decant as much of the liquid
as possible (carefully remove the clear salt and water in the tank without disturbing
the bottom residue). The remaining sludge at the bottom of the tank consists of salts
of copper. Strain the sludge through paper towels to remove the water and then dry
the remains on newspaper so it can later be properly disposed.
As with any solution containing dissolved copper, disposal down the drain should
be avoided, since copper ions in solutions are toxic to many aquatic organisms. We
recommend testing your spent electrolyte using a simple and inexpensive pH test
strip or kit made for testing swimming pool or spa water. If the test results prove to
be acidic (below 7.0), the copper-containing solution or sludge can be brought to
neutral pH by adding small amounts of common alkaline household products such
as Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate), Washing Soda (Sodium Carbonate), or
TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate).
Wearing eye protection and gloves, add a small amount (teaspoon to tablespoonsized) of the chosen neutralizer, stir thoroughly and re-test until pH test results are
between 7 and 8.** The solution or sludge can then be further evaporated until
dried or absorbed into kitty litter, double-bagged, and disposed according to local
regulations. Small quantities of these copper-containing materials are acceptable
in many municipal landfills. Check with your local landfill operator to be sure.
EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
This is the link for the 3 volt Power Supply unit we chose:
hangers are left in the salt water for any length of time, they will corrode and not perform properly.
Cleaning the inside of the copper hanger straps with a few swipes of a Norton polishing pad. The
back side of theses straps are covered with white plastic tape to protect them from the etch
process. Any exposed front areas of the hangers are covered with clear packing tape, which is
also used to tape the plate (to be etched) to the hangers.
Using clear packing tape to secure the back of the plate (to be etched) to the two copper
hangers. Packing tape works better than shelving paper. Remember, good contact and clean
contact points are necessary for proper etching control.
Placing the strap with the two hangers and the attached copper plate to be etched - into the
electrolysis tank for etching with 3 volts of DC current.