Photo Etching at Home - Professional Tools for Modelers

Who would have thought melting metal could result in such an amazing amount of detail... The process of using acid to etch metal objects has been used for hundreds of years and it's perfect for creating ultra detailed parts for our models.

In this tutorial I'll show you how to use the Micro-Mark Pro Etch Photo Etch System to create awesome brass and copper details that can be used as additions to improve and add detail to models however you can also create one off stand alone pieces as well.

One of the more difficult concepts to get your head around when it comes to photo etching is the use of corrosive chemicals. The types of chemicals used and formulas for mixing are varied and it took quite a bit of research online to find a good formula for what I planned to do with photo etching.

In the Pro Etch kit you'll receive the chemicals required however if you live outside the United States then you'll have to source your chemicals locally and this can be problematic for some...
They use Ferric Chloride as the etchant in the kit however for me obtaining Ferric Chloride at a reasonable price is something of a mission! So as a substitute I used the following chemicals at a ratio of 2:1. The Hydrochloric Acid is available from the hardware store and Hydrogen Peroxide is available from the supermarket of chemists.

As for the developing solution I simply used Washing Soda which is easily available from the supermarket.

By watching the video tutorial you'll have everything you need to know to successfully make your very own photo etched parts. It's a lengthy process however after you've tried it a couple of times it will become second nature and you'll be making photo etched parts without even batting an eyelid.

This kit is available from Micro-Mark and you can save 10% of you shopping cart by using the promo code 'boulder'.
Just remember that if you do purchase an etching kit to order the correct kit as they cannot send the corrosive chemicals outside of the US.
​

PRO ETCH KIT FOR OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS

PRO ETCH KIT FOR CUSTOMERS IN USA

Boulder creek railroad is a YouTube channel that is partly supported by the fans, if you too would like to help support the channel and receive some of the perks I have for supporters be sure to check out my patron page.

Become a Patron!