Etching without PnP

[AdamB]

Eazy now,

I don't really have access to a laser jet printer or a photocopierand I really would like to make my box art etched into my diecast aluminum box, but without a laser printer or photocopier, I can't use PnP to do it (The shop I went to where being wank on toast and wouldn't let me use their photocopier to print my pnp mask).

Is there a way to etch without using PnP? Basically I just wanna be able to make a template to put the pedals name burnt into the front of the pedal, similar to this box over here: http://www.diystompboxes.com/sboxforum/viewtopic.php?t=34304

Cheers,
-Adam

[RLBJR65]

You can draw it with a sharpie.

[gez]

Two ways to do it with an inkjet, both require a UV light source.  It’s possible to use a fluorescent light (I did this for a long time before buying a proper developing box) but you can only develop an area as wide as the bulb, unless you do it in stages.  I did the stages thing and it was fiddly.  Those light efficient bulbs work, but you need to get them right up close.  Developing time is the same though.

Anyway, you need some photo-resist spray/paint.  ESR sell it, as do most other suppliers (Rapid?).  Paint your box with it, lay on a transparency, expose, develop and etch.  Inkjet transparencies need doubling up with tracing paper, this will make them opaque enough to use (need to block out as much light as possible).

Instead of transparencies you can print off your artwork onto a piece of paper, spray with WD40 then do the above.  The WD makes the paper ‘transparent’ but detail isn’t as good.

Best to 'paint on' the etchant in the areas that you need it, otherwise you can get 'shadowing' in parts of the box where you want it plain.