differences of etched finish using chemicals vs. tumblers??

[Lisi]

I have some etched beads that I think are yuck because they have tiny places that don't etch like the other areas and it looks tacky to me. I use Etchall, and keep them in there a longer time than normal (for me, normal is 10 min.) sometimes. Does tumbling make a nice soft even finish??

[Lea Zinke]

Lisi: I etch some glass because it just LOOKS better (trans uranium for example) -- but if I want a satiny smooth, matte finish I tumble....

HTH,
Lea

[LyndaJ]

Yes, tumbling gives a smooth finish - as long as there are no raised areas on your beads.

[Lea Zinke]

Actually, the raised areas just get beautifully smooth too -- and the grooves stay bright, it's really an interesting & pretty effect.

Best,
Lea

[LyndaJ]

Yes, the grooves stay shiny. Just wasn't the effect I was after that time.

I guess it could be useful, though if you planned ahead for it.

[Aleigh]

I also use Etchall and have found that if I set them in for 3 or 4 minutes, agitate them and then leave in acid for a few more minutes that I don't have those spots. I think it is from where then set on the botton or against each other.

Amy

[beadworkstudio]

I prefer tumble-etched beads. They have a slight sparkle and they glow more, like sea glass, because the surface isn't perfectly satin-smooth. The unevenness in the surface is subtle and you can't see it unless you look really close.

If you're getting un-etched areas, just swish them around a few times while they are etching.

[Carmen Isaacs]

Could someone please tell me what they use in their tumblers to etch the beads. Thanks.

[tajones1463]

I use super fine grit and small pony beads in my tumbler with my beads. the more beads in the tumbler, the quicker the satin finish develops.

[midniteburner]

Lisi:

Remember way back when...LOL!!! We had a discussion on Etchall VS etching creme (Amour sp) or something like that. Some of us were having problems...

Etching creme may be more of a pain in the butt to use but you don't have that problem nor do you get the white substance residue later on. The only bad thing is that you go through it quicker. I think the cost was close to the same.

Sara

[rainygrrl]

Even though I added short pieces of boro stringer (maybe ~3 mm diameter) to my tumbling mix, the indented areas of beads still stay shiny.

[Cathy at the Beach]

would it be possible to get clarification on the medium for tumbler etching. What is the fine grit you use Teresa? When you say pony beads, do you mean the larger then seed sized coloured glass beads?
What else could one use to etch? How long would you think it would take?

Thanks....
C

[LyndaJ]

Use a tumbler that will be dedicated to this so it doesn't hurt your jewelry.
-I use 1-2 T play sand (but you could use grit, ~600
-fill halfway with water, a dollop of soap (ivory), some junk beads (or pony beads) for weight.
-It usually takes several hours. You can get a very slightly matte surface to a more matte surface depending how long you tumble.

[squid]

Originally Posted by Cathy at the Beach

would it be possible to get clarification on the medium for tumbler etching. What is the fine grit you use Teresa? When you say pony beads, do you mean the larger then seed sized coloured glass beads?
What else could one use to etch? How long would you think it would take?

Thanks....
C

I bought 1000 grit silicon carbide to tumble with.

[beadworkstudio]

I've used 600 grit silicon carbide and sand. I couldn't tell much difference in the time, and they looked the same coming out. The composition of the sand may be a factor, though. I would assume that the more quartz (or other hard minerals) it has, the better it'll work.

[Cathy at the Beach]

Thanks very much!