Anybody have any comments regarding how to best ”pad” an anodized raised patterned disc without removing the unraised background, near its edges for example? Which Micro-mesh Soft Touch pad grit typically works the best?
It seems just the slightest pressure in an effort to remove the first anodized background layer off the raised pattern surface also tends to mar the unraised area too. The coarser the pad, the worse it is. Seems there is an ”optimum” grit that hits only the raised pattern, leaving the background in tack, while having enough ”bite” to get the job done without overdoing it and marring the background.
Making a lot of scrap and little finished product.
Thanks again,
Rick
I've used these pads and the trick isn't so much about which grit (all will work) it's more about making sure the discs are on a flat surface and the pad is held parallel to the disc. Don't use the pads edge as it will always hit the edges and in the grooves. It also helps if the embossed parts are deep. Some shallow ones are harder to keep from hitting the edges too.
Thanks for the comments. Guess I have to work on my technique some more. However, it is nice to able to ”erase” one’s mistakes with the next etching session. I’m building quite a collection of things to re-etch!