Safer Etching Solutions
Learn a variety of demo-focused methods on how to successfully etch on copper, brass and sterling silver. Topics include preparation, equipment*, various resists, images transferring* and etching safely. Focus will be on both bath submersion as well as electro-etching.
*Some materials and equipment are not included on the materials/tools tab below. Options will be discussed during this class so students may decide which equipment will best suit their etching needs.
Meet the instructor

Lauren Anabela Beaudoin is a Salvadoran born metalsmith, craft educator and sole proprietor of Creative Dexterity. After taking her first metalsmithing class as a teen, Lauren knew this was a passion she wanted to pursue. This led her to the Massachusetts College of Art and Design where she earned her BFA in metals. Working primarily in sterling silver and other copper alloyed metals, her designs investigate shape, depth and kinetic movement. Her latest series explores color and texture through the patination process. Lauren has been featured in Macworld Magazine, Bella Armoire Jewelry and in the book Retrash. She currently resides in Western Massachusetts where she is an active studio artist. For more information about her work, visit her website at creativedexterity.com and follow her on Instagram (@creativedexterity).
Materials & Tools
The following supplies will be used for course demonstrations and objectives. A suggested item and/or vendor has been provided below for reference. Click the vendor name to be redirected to a page where you can view the item. The quantities needed for each item are listed first. If ordering, please be aware that some items may come in larger quantities than needed for this class. We recommend not opening an item's packaging until the day of the workshop. Student participation during or in-between class sessions is not required - observers are welcome.
Metal/raw materials:
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6"x6" x copper sheet - 20g (Parawire)
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6"x6" x yellow brass sheet - 20g (Parawire)
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3"x3" x sterling silver sheet - 20g (Rio Grande)
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1 x copper wire - 16g (Parawire)
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4.75ml x ferric chloride (Amazon)
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500g x ferric nitrate (Science Company)
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500g x copper nitrate (Science Company)
Etching materials:
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1 x craft vinyl roll - 6ft wide or over (Amazon)
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1 x electrical tape (Amazon)
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1 x paint pens variety pack (Amazon)
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1 x layout fluid (Amazon)
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1 x nail polish (Target)
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1 x sponge (Home Depot)
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1 x glass container (Target)
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1 x soft toothbrush (Target)
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2 x foam brush - 2" (Michaels)
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1 x measuring cup - 500ml (Amazon)
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1 x beaker - 200ml (Amazon)
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1 x digital scale - grams (Amazon)
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1 x plastic container with cover (Target)
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1 x root destroyer (Home Depot)
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1 x power supply for electo etching - various options will be discussed (one example is Amazon)
Hand tools:
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1 x round nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x chain nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x flat nose pliers (Rio Grande)
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1 x snips / flush cutters (Rio Grande)
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1 x jewelers saw (Rio Grande)
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1 x pack saw blades - 2/0 (Rio Grande)
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1 x burlife / bee's wax (Rio Grande)
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1 x bench pin (Rio Grande)
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1 x rotary tool - flex shaft, micro motor, etc. (Rio Grande)
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1 x center punch (Rio Grande)
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1 x scribe (Rio Grande)
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1 x sanding sticks (Rio Grande)
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1 x cross lock tweezers (Rio Grande)
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1 x Steel Burnisher (Rio Grande)
Torch setup:
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1 x fireproof area - steel sheet, tiles, etc. (Amazon or Home Depot)
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1 x Solderite™ pad / pan with pumice (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
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1 x compressed charcoal block - hard (Rio Grande)
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1 x torch - Smith mini, Silversmith, or butane (Rio Grande or Rio Grande)
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1 x #0 or #1 torch tip - if getting Silversmith (Rio Grande)
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1 x striker or lighter - Silversmith system has one (Rio Grande)
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1 x soldering tweezers (Rio Grande)
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1 x soldering pick (Rio Grande)
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1 x 3rd arm (Rio Grande)
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1 x cross lock tweezers (Rio Grande)
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1 x paste flux (Rio Grande)
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1 x copper tongs - for pickle (Rio Grande)
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1 x 6” silver solder - medium (Rio Grande)
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1 x pickle - sodium bisulfate or citric acid (Rio Grande or Amazon)
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1 x crock pot or lidded glass container (Rio Grande or Amazon)
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1 x small brush - for flux
Other/miscellaneous materials:
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hard work surface
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fan and open window or ventilation system
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safety glasses
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pencil, Sharpie, notebook
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rags/towels
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Denatured Alcohol
- Acetone
- Scissors
- Sharpie (black)
- Paper Towels
- Q-tips
- Ruler
- Dish Detergent or Metal Cleaning Products (Penny-Brite, Pumice etc.)
- Safety Glasses
- N95 Respirator
- Disposable Gloves
- Well Ventilated Area