Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Etching sheet metal to prepare it for art work

I would like to do art work on sheet metal but it is to slick. What type of chemical could I use to etch the surface to dull it? I have heard things like muratic acid. Help!

Thanks

SHAWN WILLIAMS
artisit - MERIDIAN, ID, US
2005

---

What type of metal? steel, brass, copper, galvanized steel, etc.

Iave you tried just using sandpaper or sandblasting it? if sanding will work for you I would use that and avoid the acids for obvious reasons.

Are you making sure to have the surface cleaned thoroughly prior to painting? do the water test (place under running water...pull it out and if water forms a uniform coating its clean..if it beads up it needs additional cleaning)

Jason Aube
- Flint, Michigan
2005

I want to use sheet metal as a base for transferring photos onto it....I want to put the copy face down and using gloss gel medium. It works beautifully on wood but the sheet metal is too slick. I have tried: sandpaper; acetone from nail polish remover. Anyone out there know a way to de-slick the sheet metal so it will take the gel medium....or is there another medium to use to make it stick to the slick?

Kathryn Gilsen
- San Francisco, California, USA
2006