Question about etching

[atoff]

Hi everyone, I'm getting ready to build a few pedals for the first time.  I used to hand solder smd's and such professionally, so no issue there.  I've also etched my own pcb's in the past... but I've never etched aluminum, and I've never had to etch anything that was very detailed.

Anyway, I have a graphic in mind that I'd like to etch, but I wanted to run it by you guys to see how likely it is to etch nicely.

Here's my mockup: http://i.imgur.com/0eBqKnY.jpg
This is the mockup, so of course I'll inverse the colors, and mirror.

How likely are those tiny lines to make it?  Any advice on what to do to make it more "etchable?"  I have ferric chloride, but I went ahead and ordered some NaOH, because it seems to work better for Al.

I was going to etch the front first, then do a reverse etch on the side for the logo...but I may just leave that out altogether.  It'll probably end up ruining it. 

Thanks for any advice.

[peterg]

Atoff

Welcome to the forum! There are a lot of etching discussions on this forum. Check out this section for all the info you'll ever need:

http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=85803.0

You shouldn't have a problem with the fine lines shown on your mock-up.

[atoff]

Thanks.  After reading a few pages in, makes me want to find something larger, and reverse etch. 
I have 3 pedals to build, so I'll be sure to try a few different things.  I'm already getting a cart ready for the 4th pedal. 

[tubegeek]

The Little Artist Formerly Known As Prince! I like it!

[atoff]

The Little Artist Formerly Known As Prince! I like it!

Thanks!  Pretty much the opposite of "Big Muff" isn't it?    I never did like going with the obvious.

[deadastronaut]

use scalable vector graphics....jpegs, gifs etc will look rough around edges etc..

e.g the more you zoom with jpegs etc, the rougher they get...

with vector they stay smooth and sharp...just my 2p.

[atoff]

use scalable vector graphics....jpegs, gifs etc will look rough around edges etc..

e.g the more you zoom with jpegs etc, the rougher they get...

with vector they stay smooth and sharp...just my 2p.

It's actually already a vector I created from the illustration.  That jpg is just a screenshot of the mockup, but thanks for looking out.  I think that makes a huge difference in the quality of the transfer. 

[karbomusic]

JPEGs are fine IF they are of the proper resolution to begin with (300 DPI ish). That is however what makes most vectors valuable. Just an academic aside for anyone who has access to proper resolution bitmaps.