Wood etching can be done with a variety of tools.How you do it is dependent on what look you are going for.You can get a nice, deeply-engraved design with chisels and gouges, or a lighter one with a dremel.Depending on the type of wood, wood burners can give you nice, dark lines and shallow cuts.The process is easy once you know what to do.
Step 1: There is an object to etch.
There are a lot of things you can etch, from coat rack to hammer handles.A plaque or sign is the easiest if you are just starting out.
Step 2: You should consider the type of wood you want to work with.
There are two types of wood.Softwood, such as fir and white pine, is cheaper and easier to work with, but it comes in only a few choices.It is more expensive and harder to work with than it is.The easiest types of hardwood to engrave are: basswood, cherry, Philippine Mahogany, and walnuts.
Step 3: If you want, remove the previous varnish.
You can use a solvent or a piece of paper.Leave the wood stain on if your piece has it.The light color underneath will be revealed by the carving.Liquid sandpaper is also called solvent.The directions on the label will be different for each brand.
Step 4: If necessary, smooth the surface.
It will make it easier for the tools to glide across the wood grain.Go with the grain and use medium-grit sandpaper.If you bought your piece from a craft store, it may already be sanded smooth for you.Smooth out any rough patches by inspecting the piece.
Step 5: Use a tack cloth to wipe away the sawdust.
You can use a damp cloth if you don't have a tack cloth.Even if you are carving into the wood, you should do this.
Step 6: Pick your design.
Pictures, symbols, words and phrases can be etch onto wood.Print your design on a sheet of paper or use the computer to do it.A simple design with lots of straight lines is the easiest to engrave.You can transfer the design to your project using one of the methods listed.
Step 7: If you want it to be easy, trace designs using stencils.
You can either buy a stencil from the store or design and cut your own.The design should be placed over the wood where you want it to go.Attach it with painter's tape and trace the designs with a pencil.When you are done, put the stencil away.You can cut out stencil from plastic, quilter's template, contact paper, or freezer paper.
Step 8: If you want to transfer a custom design, use graphite paper.
Place the paper on the wood.Pick out your design on top of the paper with painter's tape.Your design should be imprinted on top of the wood after you remove the paper.If you printed your design from the computer, use the back of the paper as directed.
Step 9: If you are a good artist, draw your design on the wood with a pencil.
This is the easiest way to transfer your design.It requires a steady hand.The less you have to do to get rid of mistakes, the better.
Step 10: If you want to make straight lines, use a wood chisel.
You will need to cut each line twice.The tool should be held at a 20 to 30 degree angle.Rock the tool back and forth to make a deep cut.Make the next cut to complete the V-shape by brushing away the wood slither.The lines that run parallel to the wood grain should be done first.This reduces the amount of chipping.
Step 11: If you want to carve straight lines, use a wood kerchief.
The pencil mark should be held at a 20 to 30 degree angle.As you push the tip into the wood, gently tap it from behind.Each cut must be 1/16 to 1/6 inch deep.As you work, brush away the slithers.This can be used with wood chisels.Wood carving tools are called wood gouges.There are different types of wood gouges, including chisel, curved, or V-shaped.
Step 12: Dremels are a good way to use them.
If you want a sanding or engraving tip, choose one that suits your design.If you want to hold the dremel over thin lines, hold it like a pencil.If you have thick designs, outline them with a fine tip first, then fill them in with larger ones.The method works well on wood.Smaller engraving tools can be used in a similar way.
Step 13: You can use wood burning.
A chisel-like tip is what most wood burning tools have.The thin edge and wide edge are used to make lines.Some wood burning tools have shaped tips that you can use to stamp or brand designs onto the wood.
Step 14: Any carved surfaces should be lightly sanded.
A piece of 120-grit sandpaper can be folded into a thin strip.Wrap it around your finger and lightly sand the inside edges of the carved line.The chips or splinters are removed.If you use a wood burning tool or a dremel, skip this step.
Step 15: Use a tack cloth to wipe the sanding dust away.
If you use a chisel, gouge, or dremel, you should do this.Dust may get trapped in the topcoat during the next step.If you don't have a tack cloth, use a soft damp cloth.If you use a wood burning tool, skip this step.
Step 16: If you wish, apply a top coat.
If you want to give it a finished look, you can leave it as-is.Choose a finish that appeals to you, then apply a thin coat.For pieces that will be kept inside and outside, use lacquer and weather-resistant polyurethane.Apply spray-on topcoats using a sweeping motion.Use a flat, wide paintbrush.Go with the grain.
Step 17: Before applying another coat, let the top coat dry.
You could get away with just one coat.If the piece is going to be kept outside, you might want to apply more light coats.Allow the coats to dry before adding the next one.The coats may turn out tacky if they are applied too quickly.
Step 18: Before using the piece, let the top coat dry and cure.
It depends on the type of topcoat you are using.Some are completely dry and ready to use.It can take several days to cure others, especially outdoor types.You can read the label on your bottle or can.It's important to keep in mind that things like humidity, weather, and temperature can affect drying and curing times.