The Making Process
SILVER ETCHING WITH NITRIC ACID
FIRST STAGE : Altering the chosen photograph
The photograph needs to be a negative, reversed image and then altered to a black and white, not grey, image. Lots of contrast, and approximately 50%black and 50% white is best. The black part of the image transfers to the metal and acts as a resist. This image gets printed onto special paper which I can then use as a transfer.
STAGE TWO: Transferring the image onto the silver.
The silver will be cut to size required. The metal then gets heated. The next part takes practice. Quickly and smoothly, place the photo etch, face down on top of the metal and rub the surface with a folded piece of paper, to protect your fingertips! The metal gets cooled down in water. The back is peeled off, to reveal the black from the paper transferred to the silver.
STAGE THREE: Etching in acid.
Nitric acid is very dangerous and corrosive, so PPE is a must as well as good ventilation. The acid gets mixed at a ratio of 1:3 with water. The back of the silver needs to be protected from the acid. Once prepared the metal goes into the acid bath for a period of time. The length of time depends on the room temperature, how old the acid is, how many pieces of silver are getting etched together etc. Bubbles form on the surface of the metal, which need to be wiped away gently, using a feather; feathers don’t react to acid. If the bubbles remain on the surface, they become a barrier between the acid and the metal, creating pits in the surface of the silver. Sometimes this is desirable.
STAGE FOUR: Cleaning the metal and ready for use.
Once I feel that the etch is deep enough, using plastic tongs and PPE, the silver is removed from the acid. Immediately it is rinsed with lots of water. The backing protection is removed and the remains of the black photo etch transfer is rubbed off using the finest wire wool. Now the metal is ready and the real work begins!
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ALI
I am a contemporary jewellery designer/maker based in beautiful rural Herefordshire, near to the banks of the River Wye; I long ago realised that being near to some body of water had become essential to me and my work. I specialise in creating etched silver jewellery, using my photographs to create the etchings, these are usually based on plant life, architecture and the coast. I particularly love to oxidise my work, which will highlight the definition in the etching.
My collections are constantly evolving and each piece is entirely unique due to the nature of etching. Commissions, based on my style of work, are most welcome.