DIY Engraving
- 1). Sketch the design you plan to engrave on a piece of paper.
- 2). Clean the metal you plan to engrave with acetone and a clean rag. Rinse with water.
- 3). Copy your design using a laser printer. Place the copy ink side down against the metal you plan to engrave. Use an iron to apply heat to the back of the paper until the ink transfers to the design to the metal. Touch up the design, where needed, using a permanent, black felt-tip pen.
- 4). Secure the metal so it cannot move, using an engraving block, shellac stick or vise.
- 5). Cut the design into the metal by sliding a sharp graver across the metal. Follow your design. Vary the width of the engraved lines by rolling the graver on its side as you cut. Most engravers cut straight lines clockwise, but cut curves and circles counterclockwise.
- 6). Change gravers as you work to add shading and dimension to your design until the engraved design is complete. Different gravers will cut different widths and shaped lines.
