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How to Print on a Stainless Steel Plate

There are a few different ways to print images on a stainless steel plate. Some require complex and expensive computerized printing apparatuses that are usually beyond the financial grasp of the average hobbyist. Given enough time and practice, a do-it-yourself enthusiast can combine the art forms of metal etching and cloisonne to print a variety of detailed images on stainless steel. Traditional art forms potentially command far greater value than simple computerized printouts. Cloisonne is a traditional art form most commonly seen on ornately crafted police badges and enamel jewelry.

Things You'll Need

  • Stainless steel plate
  • Concept image or text
  • Rotary tool with etching, metal brush and cloth buffing attachments
  • Small spoon
  • Cloisonne glass powder, assorted colors
  • High-temperature kiln
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Instructions

  1. Etching the Image

    • 1

      Draw the image onto the steel plate using a metal compatible marker.

    • 2

      Using a rotary hand tool and a metal etching attachment, gingerly etch out the image. When controlling the rotary tool, brace your forearm against the worktable and slowly edge in small, controlled wrist movements to avoid etching outside of the designated lines. The relief created by the etching process needs to be at least 1/8th of an inch in depth to successfully color the etching with cloisonne.

    • 3

      Use the metal brush attachment on the rotary tool to impart a brushed texture to the inside of the finalized image and remove metal burrs created during the initial etching. Use the buffer attachment on the rotary tool to clean up the edges to a smooth finish, but leave the inner surface brushed to allow for better adhesion with the cloisonne glass.

    Coloring the Image With Cloisonne

    • 4

      Scoop the colored powder cloisonne glass using a small spoon and pour it gently into the relief section of the etching. Take special caution to control your breathing while handling and placing the powdered glass, since the gusts of one's breath can easily displace the material.

    • 5

      Fire the stainless steel plate in the kiln, following the specifications outlined for the particular type of powdered cloisonné glass used for the job. Allow the stainless steel plate ample time to cool.

    • 6

      Buff the stainless steel plate to remove excess cloisonne glass from the extra relief until the desired effect is reached.

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