Hard Color Anodizing - multi-color
patterns developed by hand
Acid Etching - done exactly as was
the ancient suits of armor
Detail of Acid Etching (from 10-23-03)
Each single detail is hand painted
onto the steel with a "resist" material. Yes - all of
the individual thousands of them on this reservoir tube - one
at a time. When the steel is soaked in acid (special type, temp.,
consistency) ... the steel under the design is protected - the
background is etched away. The detail results in a "relief"
pattern ... you can hook your fingernail on the edge of each detail.
If it goes wrong, the acid undercuts the design, the resist floats
off, etc., and not only the design, but the entire part is ruined.
Clean .... Color, Form, Contrast. You
must have an eye for compound curves, and the ability to grind
them smoothly.
Balance, Detail .... this has the "Jules
Verne" look folks refer to. It's that 18th/19th century look
many enjoy.
I've been adding to these various skills
since childhood. Professionally since 1974. This is why, for
those who wish to buy Barnes, I cannot simply hire on additional
staff. I don't have a push button operation. It's why (for those
who continually ask), I cannot just tell them how to do this stuff.
Everything builds upon a previous skill level.
Hope you enjoy the pics and the vast
variety of styles possible.
