Electrolytic Etching
with Beth Merckel

Class Description
Want to create a pattern, original design or lettering on metal? Learn how to etch copper-based metals using electricity. We’ll be using car battery chargers and copper sulfate to etch copper, brass or nickel silver. Ferric nitrate solution will also be available if you want to etch silver.
If you have experience etching with ferric chloride and are tired of waiting for hours for your etching to appear, electrolytic etching is oh-so-much-better. The process is less toxic, more precise and seriously faster - one hour or less.
Tools and Equipment
What you’ll want to bring:.
Materials kit* $25 (cash or check)
About the Instructor
Beth Merckel studied metalsmithing at Revere Academy, Mendocino Art Center and Clear Creek Academy. She’s obsessed with texture on metal and her favorite tool is her rolling mill. Beth is the founder and Executive Director of Boulder Metalsmithing Association.
Maximum 8 students. Students must be 18 or older and sign a waiver to participate in the class.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Registration open now
Want to create a pattern, original design or lettering on metal? Learn how to etch copper-based metals using electricity. We’ll be using car battery chargers and copper sulfate to etch copper, brass or nickel silver. Ferric nitrate solution will also be available if you want to etch silver.
If you have experience etching with ferric chloride and are tired of waiting for hours for your etching to appear, electrolytic etching is oh-so-much-better. The process is less toxic, more precise and seriously faster - one hour or less.
Tools and Equipment
What you’ll want to bring:.
- 5-6 pieces copper, nickel silver or brass sheet no larger than 2" x 2" for etching
- One or more black and white (no grey at all) pattern or image no larger than 2" x 2" for etching
- Green Scotchbright pads (2)
- Sterling silver for etching (optional)
- Burnisher or spoon
Materials kit* $25 (cash or check)
- Duct tape
- Copper sulfate solution
- Cupric Nitrate solution
- Ferric Nitrate solution
- Toner Transfer paper (TTP)
About the Instructor
Beth Merckel studied metalsmithing at Revere Academy, Mendocino Art Center and Clear Creek Academy. She’s obsessed with texture on metal and her favorite tool is her rolling mill. Beth is the founder and Executive Director of Boulder Metalsmithing Association.
Maximum 8 students. Students must be 18 or older and sign a waiver to participate in the class.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- You may cancel up to 14 days prior to the start of the class and receive a full refund, less $25 processing. To cancel, send an email to info@bouldermetalsmiths.com.
- Cancellations less than 14 days prior to the start date will not be refunded.
- In the event we have to cancel a class, you will be notified prior to the start date and will be issued a full refund.
- Registration is not transferrable. You may not sell your seat to another student.
- If a class has multiple sessions, and you miss one, there is no make up opportunity and the instructor will not catch you up at the next class session. You may not join the next scheduled class, as there’s a maximum number of students for every class and it’s not fair to the other students.
- If you are late to a class, the instructor will not catch you up. There’s a structured curriculum for every class and its not fair to other students to skip part of the curriculum to catch up a student who’s late.
- By clicking on the “I’m going” button and by paying the registration fee, you are agreeing to this cancellation policy.
- No Exceptions.
Registration open now