This is my step by step guide on how I etch my pedal enclosures. The process is very dangerous, so do this at your own risk and use eye and hand protection from the acid.
Results have been a bit hit and miss, but I have been getting better at this process, but as I said above, it is really dangerous and very messy and above all time consuming. So you need loads of patience.
1. Sand the enclosure with 150 grit wet/dry sand paper.
2. Print design as negative & in reverse on laser printer on glossy sticker back paper
3. Place printed design on enclosure and iron over in place so the paper sticks to the enclosure, apply pressure for 2-3 minutes to insure all areas are stuck down.
4. Heat enclosure with the iron for 7 minutes with paper towel underneath so as not to burn the paper while the iron is in place.
5. Apply pressure again for 2-3 minutes, running the iron over all areas of the surface covered by the paper transfer.
6. Drop slowly into cold in water for 8 minutes. ensure not to drop quickly, you don’t want bubbles or the enclosure to turn in the water.
8. Mix pre-etching agent. 10ml peroxide 40 vol, White vinegar and table salt.
10. Pour on pre-etching agent and leave for 1 hour
11. Remove agent with water.
12. Mix 5ml hydrochloric acid with 5ml water
13. Now apply hydrochloric acid with a pipet covering all the areas of the surface needing to be etched. As soon as you see toner burning off run the enclosure under the tap to stop the etching process.
14. Clean of laser ink with acetone and with very very fine sand paper until all the toner has been removed.
15. Spray with black enamel spray and leave to dry over night.
16. Sand off black paint with 1200 grit sand paper leaving the paint inside the etched areas.
17. Spray with Matt varnish
It is also a good idea to drill any holes before you spray with paint and varnish as you dont want to mark the paint with any scuffs from the drill.
Times and measurements are very approximate and you really need to experiment with this method to get it right. It is all down to the measurements of the chemicals and the timing.
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