How to Acid Etch a Wrestling Belt

Professional wrestlers generally have large championship belts that are lavishly decorated. These belts are typically acid etched to add designs. Acid etching metal is a common practice, typically done to decorate or commemorate metal objects with a design or lettering. The acid medium eats away at the metal, creating a relief-style piece of work. If you're creating a wrestling belt, acid etching is a simple and effective method for decorating the buckle or front metal plate.

Things You'll Need

  • Graphics software
  • Color printer
  • High-gloss paper
  • Denatured alcohol
  • Iron
  • Towel
  • Water
  • Tub
  • Ferric-chloride acid bath solution
  • Metal tongs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create the design that you want to use for the belt. Draw the design in black and white using computer-graphics software. Note that you have to draw the design backward, as it will be reversed when applied to the metal. Print the design on a color printer set on the darkest setting, using high-gloss paper.

    • 2

      Clean off the metal surface to be etched using denatured alcohol. Wipe the metal surface clean and ensure that it is dry and free of any dirt or debris.

    • 3

      Set the paper design on top of the metal, with the ink side facing the metal. Place a towel over the back of the paper. Iron the paper until the paper sticks to the metal. The ink will melt off and become stuck to the metal.

    • 4

      Submerge the paper in warm water for about 15 minutes. Peel off the paper carefully. The ink will be stuck to the metal. Blot the metal dry. Ensure that the metal is dry before moving on to the next step.

    • 5

      Pour the ferric-chloride acid bath into a tub. Use tongs to submerge the metal into the acid bath. Leave the metal undisturbed for 12 to 14 hours. This will eat away enough metal to form a relief design.

    • 6

      Remove the metal from the acid bath using tongs. Rinse the metal thoroughly under cold, running water for 10 minutes. Buff the buckle gently using a soft, microfiber cloth.