Etching a piece is a true labor of love. This quick video shows an abbreviated version of the process.

I perform a lot of research to obtain the images from the Library of Congress or similar archival sources. Then the map or image must be cleaned up and cropped in photoshop as many of the items have been ripped or torn over the last hundred years.

The image is printed out on transfer paper using laser jet ink. This ink acts as a resist or mask to the dissolving action of acid.

Using heat and pressure, the ink dissolves onto the metal sheet. Then the metal is wrapped in tape to prevent the acid from eating away at the underside of the piece.

Various salts and acids are used to etch, creating the relief you see and feel.

Then the piece is neutralized using baking soda. The tape is removed and the ink resist is cleaned off with acetone.

The piece is then ready for a layer of patination which creates darkened areas in the recesses of the piece. Several layers may be used to build up the desired effect.

Then, the piece is cut, sanded, and filed before it is hammer-formed.

Finally, the piece is polished to a shine.