BBQ trophy

[Scratch]

I got a vinyl cutter so I could add fine details to my plasma cut metalwork. I've had the vinyl cutter for about a year now and still haven't combined the use of metalwork and vinyl...

But a friend of mine is holding a Rib Fest and invited me to come, so I told him I'd make some sort of award like a plaque or something. I originally thought I'd simply cut out a piece of metal in the shape of a rack of ribs and decorate it with vinyl lettering so the winner could hang a plaque on their wall.

Then this 30" tall thing happened...

Can't wait to eat!

[acourtjester]

Do you know you can etch aluminum using vinyl cut outs attached to a plate and soak in the Muriatic acid and water mix (50/50) for a short time.Acid will not attack the vinyl.

[tinspark]

Looks Great!
Ready for some ribs now!
Regards,

[plasmanewbie]

Scratch that's awesome and once again you've got me chucklng over here, been enjoying your posts for years. Love it, great prize for a lucky friend. And AC once again I have learned something new from you. Thanks guys

[robertspark]

really nice

[Scratch]

Do you know you can etch aluminum using vinyl cut outs attached to a plate and soak in the Muriatic acid and water mix (50/50) for a short time.Acid will not attack the vinyl.

I did NOT know that!
One more tool to add to the tool box, thanks!

[ben de lappe]

Awesome Scratch! Love it when a simple cutout turns into 30" of that. I learn something from every one of AC's posts. Thanks for the inspiration, both of you.

[Granite]

Very nice work. Your buddy better move you up to VIP status for your contribution.

[Granite]

Do you know you can etch aluminum using vinyl cut outs attached to a plate and soak in the Muriatic acid and water mix (50/50) for a short time.Acid will not attack the vinyl.

Acourtjester,

I have a project I want to try your technique on. What if your aluminum plate has some scale or oxidation? If it is cleaned and polished first, then add the vinyl stencil and dip in acid/water, is there still a good contrast in the finished result? I don't work with aluminum much, the pieces I have are dirty or have some scale. Seems I should clean/polish them before trying to etch.

[djreiswig]

Never done it, but I would say you want to polish it so the part that is masked will be shiny. No way to clean it up after you etch it. Looking at the picture above, I think you will be fine.