Wood etching can be done with a wide variety of tools.What kind of look you are going for will affect how you do it and what tool you use.A nice, deeply-engraved design will be given by chisels and gouges, while a lighter one can be achieved by a dremel.Depending on the type of wood, you can get nice, dark lines and a shallow cut.The process can be scary at first, but once you know what to do it is simple.
Step 1: To etch an object, find it.
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: Take into account 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 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, sand 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: Do you want 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 with 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 design, you should use a piece of paper called graphite.
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 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 carve straight lines, you should 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 or curved lines, use a wood gouge.
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: Dores can be used.
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: Wood burning is a good way to use wood.
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 sanded lightly.
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: Remove the sanding dust with a tack cloth.
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 want to, 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, allow the top coat to 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: Allow the top coat to cure and then use the piece.
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.