This post will detail the process that I use to make metal seals, such as those of the spirits Goetia. Imperial Arts has previously posted a similar procedure of making such seals using the lost-wax casting. However, since not everyone has the ability to melt metals safely (within their homes or studios), this is a slightly more feasible alternative that will produce visually appealing results.

Necessary tools and equipment:

-sheet metal (I'm using copper in this example)
-something to cut the metal with (I'm using a jeweler's saw)
-a permanent market (Sharpie will do)
-files of various grain
-ruler
-transfer paper (if transferring the design from paper on to metal)
-metal dish
-ferric chloride (or other etching solution, depending on the metal and your skill)
-water


Procedure:

1. Draw circles or whatever shape you want your seals to be on the sheet of metal using a permanent marker.
(IMG:http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/4431/DSC_9820_resize.jpg)

2. Cut out the shapes (in this case: circles) using your tool of choice. Here, I am using a jeweler's saw.
(IMG:http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/3125/DSC_9823_resize.jpg)

3. File down the rough edges.
(IMG:http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2125/DSC_9824_resize.jpg)

I also like to 'rough' up the surface of the metal, as I find that it gives the acid a bit of a better bite compared to a smooth surface.
(IMG:http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1783/DSC_9825_resize.jpg)

4. Draw the seal design using the permanent marker or any other resist. I prefer the transfer the designs using transfer paper, but you could skip that step and draw directly on the metal. Also, you don't have to use a permanent marker - almost any permanent staining substance will work (e.g. nail polish).
(IMG:http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1834/DSC_9836_resize.jpg)
Here are the seals with the designs drawn on them:
(IMG:http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/1108/DSC_9838_resize.jpg)

5. Submerge the metal in an acid bath. For copper, I prefer to use Ferric Chloride. Technically, it's not an acid but rather strong salt, yet the result is all the same. You can find this solution in most amateru electronic stores, as it is commonly used for pc board etchings. Here's what my bottle looks like:
(IMG:http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/8448/DSC_9975_resize.jpg)
The solution is light brown in colour and it changes its tone (to darker brown) after the metals sits in there for a while. Make sure you use a glass container as this stuff will do damage to most metal things. By the way, it will also do impressive damage to your skin, so wear gloves and be careful.

I don't have a picture of the seals in the solution, so you'll have to use your imagination. In this particular case, I left the copper disks in the solution for 30 mins. You can play around with the time and you'll notice that it affects the depth of the cut. Also, providing a tiny bit of heat will speed up the process (e.g. put it on the lowest setting on your stove).

After the time is up, pour out the solution into another container that you can dispose of safely. Don't just pour it down your drain (as it will probably do nasty things to it).

Rinse the metal pieces in water. Lots of it.
Here's how things should look at this stage:
(IMG:http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/9050/DSC_9853_resize.jpg)

6. File and polish with fine files and/or polishing paper or compounds. I use various grades of nail files to get the desired look.
(IMG:http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/3833/DSC_9927_resize.jpg)

7. Finally, you can either just punch a hole through the seal or solder a loop to it.
(IMG:http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2567/DSC_9931_resize.jpg)

8. You're done!
(IMG:http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/2861/DSC_9934_resize.jpg)

You can use this procedure to make any metal talisman/seal within about 2-3 hours. The results are esthetically pleasing and I consider it a step up from just scratching the pattern into the metal.

-Theodor

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/ac42.gif)
Wow! Thanks Theodor! Pictures are always nicer. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/i_triangle.gif)

Excellent post! I will try that for copper seals. I guess the electronic development has produced this easier solution, instead of using dangerous acids. (Also, where I live they don't even sell acids to non-professionals such as myself, for safety reasons, and this Ferric Chloride should be possible to find somewhere).

How do you do for other metals?

For instance, I am making the Solomon Ring, I bought a ring and now I need to "engrave" or "scratch" or "etch" the three words on it. I want a similar etching solution which is less dangerous than the acids. Is there such a thing?

This post has been edited by Grab: May 27 2008, 06:04 AM

I am not aware of 'safer' solutions for metals aside from copper and brass. My references indicate a mixture of nitric acid and water for silver etching (1:3) and nitric and hydrochloric acids (1:3) for gold etching. If you are not comfortable with acid etching, engraving is a safer alternative.

very usefully! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ac42.gif)

WOW! Thank you! This is great! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
Best,
Hermetic668

Now wait, do I simply make the mark on the metal coin, put it in the solution, and it does the work? Why? Does the marker prevent absorption/reaction? I never understood how that happened just on it's own.

Yes, basically that's how it works - the marker or resistor prevents the reaction for a tad longer than the rest of the slug. Or given a different set of reactants, could cause the mark to react more quickly than unmarked metal of the slug (like using iodine/wax to etch steel).

Best,
Hermetic668

Wow, thanks a lot for this seal-making possibility!!
I guess, I'll do that pretty soon =) But I think, in Germany it is more difficult to get Ferric Chloride :/ Hmm, I'll see ^^