How to Do Fine Nail Awl Engraving
- 1). Draw your design on paper with a pencil and make a copy of it. Adjust the size by enlarging or diminishing the dimensions on the copier, as required by your work surface size.
- 2). Clean the metal with acetone.
- 3). Tape your copied design onto your engraving surface.
- 4). Rub the back of the paper design with a damp rag, saturated with acetone. The paper will look translucent when it, too, becomes filled with acetone, and you will be able to see your design lines through it.
- 5). Rub a dry rag on the lines for 60 seconds or until it is dry.
- 6). Peel the paper off the work surface and make certain the whole design is transferred.
- 7). Spray with clear lacquer to keep the design stable and durable.
- 8). Place your engraving material in an engraver's vise.
- 9). Use your sharpened and finely shaped nail burin to create uniform and equidistant, parallel lines that curve around the design.
- 10
Push harder and more gently to gouge lines that move from thick to thin along their length. This will establish light and dark areas.
