Here's Your FREE...
Granite Etching Course Guide
Copyright 2020 All Rights Reserved
The information contained here is copyrighted and may not be re-transcribed or resold in any way without the express written consent of the artist/author.
All rights reserved under penalty of law.
All rights reserved under penalty of law.
I have been etching on granite since 2004 and it has been some of the most satisfying work I have ever created. Most of my etchings are for granite monuments and I consider it an honor to be asked to create art as a memorial to someones life and I take that responsibility very serious.
Much to my surprise it only took me 1 week of practice to become comfortable enough to etch on an actual granite headstone for a real customer who requested a custom beach etching and I have to say, that first etching was a nerve wracking experience. But, I still managed to make about $70 per hour going very slow!
I have now taught many students from different countries.
So even if you feel you don't have as much talent as others...don't let that discourage you from trying! You'll be pleasantly surprised by how many people will pay big money for you to start etching on granite for them.
Practice
You should start practicing right away. Go to the nearest granite dealer and ask if they have any spare or broken pieces of polished granite to practice on and explain what you want it for. More than likely they'll be very interested in seeing your work when you're finished which will probably lead to some paying jobs. Etch artists are hard to find.
If you're a little shy about approaching a granite dealer than go to a Home Depot type store and purchase a few pieces of polished granite tile squares and practice on those. Remember, they have to be polished granite.
Much to my surprise it only took me 1 week of practice to become comfortable enough to etch on an actual granite headstone for a real customer who requested a custom beach etching and I have to say, that first etching was a nerve wracking experience. But, I still managed to make about $70 per hour going very slow!
I have now taught many students from different countries.
So even if you feel you don't have as much talent as others...don't let that discourage you from trying! You'll be pleasantly surprised by how many people will pay big money for you to start etching on granite for them.
Practice
You should start practicing right away. Go to the nearest granite dealer and ask if they have any spare or broken pieces of polished granite to practice on and explain what you want it for. More than likely they'll be very interested in seeing your work when you're finished which will probably lead to some paying jobs. Etch artists are hard to find.
If you're a little shy about approaching a granite dealer than go to a Home Depot type store and purchase a few pieces of polished granite tile squares and practice on those. Remember, they have to be polished granite.
Tools
You're going to need an etching or engraving tool to practice with. The one that I use to do the bulk of my etching with is unfortunately, no longer manufactured. But I've found a replacement and it works fine.
The battery operated micro engraver tool is the most economical way to get started practicing as it is a very inexpensive tool with a diamond tip and comes with batteries included. You can search online and buy them cheap. It's a great way to test out the niche!
You'll also need a way to transfer an image or drawing onto the granite. I realize you're not going to have a piece of white transfer paper laying around so an easy fix is to get a piece of tracing paper and a piece of white chalk, rub the chalk on one side then flop it over to transfer a drawing to the granite surface.
I've included a drawing for you to download.
Download the image here
You're going to need an etching or engraving tool to practice with. The one that I use to do the bulk of my etching with is unfortunately, no longer manufactured. But I've found a replacement and it works fine.
The battery operated micro engraver tool is the most economical way to get started practicing as it is a very inexpensive tool with a diamond tip and comes with batteries included. You can search online and buy them cheap. It's a great way to test out the niche!
You'll also need a way to transfer an image or drawing onto the granite. I realize you're not going to have a piece of white transfer paper laying around so an easy fix is to get a piece of tracing paper and a piece of white chalk, rub the chalk on one side then flop it over to transfer a drawing to the granite surface.
I've included a drawing for you to download.
Download the image here
Technique
To etch or engrave the granite surface you only need to "scratch" off the polish to create your art. There's really no reason to go much deeper than that. The etch tool that I normally use ships with four tips. Use the thickest one , which is a diamond point, for etching the granite.
I encourage you to buy extra diamond points in case one breaks, you'll always have backups available. You don't want to get stuck in the middle of an etching job without extra diamond tips available.
Before plugging in your etching/engraving tool read the manual.
To etch or engrave the granite surface you only need to "scratch" off the polish to create your art. There's really no reason to go much deeper than that. The etch tool that I normally use ships with four tips. Use the thickest one , which is a diamond point, for etching the granite.
I encourage you to buy extra diamond points in case one breaks, you'll always have backups available. You don't want to get stuck in the middle of an etching job without extra diamond tips available.
Before plugging in your etching/engraving tool read the manual.
My eBook will help you get started on the right foot!
Check It Out HERE
|
My NEW eBook with video links inside! With FREE Micro Engraver ToolMaybe you're unsure of the granite etching opportunity but you'd like to give a try anyway.
Try my NEW LOW COST "Learn To Etch Granite" eBook version. 5 video links...two full step-by-step projects and get a.... 
|
Creating Art For Granite Etching and Engraving
Many times the granite company you're working with will provide a sketch or stock image for you to use as a guide for etching it onto the granite surface but these are usually for position only. You're going to need to clean up these drawings or rough sketches. This time should be factored into the price.
I never discard a sketch or drawing after I have etched it as I have found that future customers, when given a visual choice of samples, will pick the same images I have already etched. Many times I will cut and tape and resize with a photocopy machine. You don't have to keep drawing and sketching the same scenes and your profit margin goes up.
i have a collection of my drawings on CD. You may find yourself using many of the same subjects. You can resize the drawings to fit any shape or size piece of granite. These drawings have literally made me thousands of dollars. Feel free to use my drawings...CHECK THEM OUT HERE
Many times the granite company you're working with will provide a sketch or stock image for you to use as a guide for etching it onto the granite surface but these are usually for position only. You're going to need to clean up these drawings or rough sketches. This time should be factored into the price.
I never discard a sketch or drawing after I have etched it as I have found that future customers, when given a visual choice of samples, will pick the same images I have already etched. Many times I will cut and tape and resize with a photocopy machine. You don't have to keep drawing and sketching the same scenes and your profit margin goes up.
i have a collection of my drawings on CD. You may find yourself using many of the same subjects. You can resize the drawings to fit any shape or size piece of granite. These drawings have literally made me thousands of dollars. Feel free to use my drawings...CHECK THEM OUT HERE
Check Out My Full Video Course Here
