QuestionHi Thomas,
I hope you can answer a question for me. I'm interested in taking a jewelry / metal etching class, that is being offered in my state very soon. I contacted the instructor and she said the solutions used are not toxic or harmful. Someone else just told me they are. From what I'm reading on the internet, they appear to be so.
Do you have any experience or knowledge of etching sterling silver with an E3 electro-etching machine? The solutions we will be using are silver nitrate (for sterling) and copper sulfate (to etch copper). I am reluctant to take the class, and buy the materials and start working with this process......until I know that the materials are safe.
Thank you for your help on this!
AnswerDear Theresa, I have always believed both chemicals to be poisonous and silver nitrate also capable of causing skin burns. I checked the Material Safety Data Sheet for each. You will want to take a look:
Silver Nitrate
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/s2282.htm (this one looks bad from the get go)
This link has info on silver nitrate used with the E3 machine:(pdf file)There are cautions.
http://www.sherrihaab.com/etch/E3_Etch_Silver.pdf
Copper Sulfate
http://www.oldbridgechem.com/msdscuso4.html (scroll down to lower part on health safety)
You might want to ask the class instructor again about the safety of the chemicals. Mention you have read the safety data sheets and have concerns. You need a straight answer on this one. Are the solutions very weak and therefore safer to use? I do not know that answer. Using electrical etching solutions is like reverse electroplate processes. The electricity does add power and control to the work.
As a "have at home" kit I would avoid it. You would need to be certain of the work area being off limits to children, pets or other adults who don't know better than to mess with stuff. Storage would be important. With these chemicals as well as with the electroplate chemicals we use, it pays to be just uncomfortable enough to respect the possible danger.
I believe you can find the maker of the E3 machine on the net. If so, e-mail them with your concerns also.
Theresa, I do hope this answer will be of value to you. I do appreciate the fact that you do not take safety for granted. Your approach is quite wise.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
