Stamping Copper for Etching- refresher

In an effort to work my way up to doing the 3" x 4" squares of copper  I need to set  up for stamping and etching so I thought I'd start with some smaller items  to get working again

I pulled out my  stamps (which had been sitting frozen at the shed and covered in staz-on - I forgot to clean off)  took out some acetone and cleaned up using the acetone and a toothbrush and paper towel

These are my original stamps when I first had them made so they have lasted through hot, cold - lots of acetone cleaning and stamping and are still in great shape 

(stamps can be purchased at my Etsy shop (see top left side bar))

I cleaned my copper with acetone 

today are moustaches  and brass washers

then I use the staz-on to dab onto the area I am using to stamp onto the pieces 

You need to stamp quickly as it does dry quickly 

dont push the stamp down too hard - you only want to the surface lines to be covered 

Place the piece clean side down (be sure to hold by sides as you dont want the oils from your hands to get onto the piece )

DONT PUSH HARD

because its rubber stamp it will spread and smear

I usually hold down with one finger and lightly go around the edges to ensure it meets the stamp 

I'll keep the one finger down with a bit of pressure and pull up the piece all in one pull

I find some of the odd size and shapes are a bit harder to work with - dont worry if you get any on the backs - it comes off later 

Let them dry 

Now I have to set up my etching system

Hot plate, cookie sheet with aluminum foil, glass cake pan

I put in some etching chemical (ferric Chloride)

I dont put a whole bunch, just enough that I can have the pieces sit on the surface

I turn on the hot plat - ONLY TO WARM- too hot and it affects the solution and the etch 

Now to  get the dried pieces ready to be put into the etc.

I picked up some 3" wide packing tape - normally I have 2"  but sometimes I have items that are odd shapes and they stick out or if I want to put a bunch together the 3" works great 

I check to see how many I can put on the tape by  pulling out one of the nail files that I use as a support to see the length 

Place all your pieces with the stamped side face down 

and put the tape over the entire group (I fold the ends to be able to pick up easier) note I have some staz-on  on the back of my pieces - dont worry it all comes off later 

I use my finger to burnish the tape to the metal pieces 

then I place one of the nail files for support (so it does not bow in the etching solution) keeps it flat and straight

then another layer of tape to hold the file on top and to keep the etching solution from the file (most of the time)

next pick up by the end and make sure it all stays together 

I lay it lightly on top of the etching solution and stick the ends to the sides of the glass 

because this tape is wider I am only getting 3 strips in at a time where I get 5 usually with the 2"

so now because this is fresh etching solution  I'll check at 1 hour - 1-1/2 hour and 2 hours 

as it etches to see how deep the etch is