Easier than I expected.

Well, didn't take long for my first try at etching a circuit board. I already had some of the supplies around the house and a quick run to K-Mart and Radio Shack took care of the rest.

First of all, the pattern. To print the pattern I picked up some gloss photo paper for the laser printer. Whatever I want is then printed on that paper.

The next step was to iron the pattern onto the blank circuit board (which I got at Radio Shack for cheaper than I expected). The iron was set for very hot, the circuit board was scratched up with a brillo pad and then heavy pressure was applied to the paper to get the pattern to transfer. This is why you have to use a laser printer as the ink is plastic based. Ink jet printer won't do the job.

After the patter was transferred, I soaked the piece in water. This breaks up the paper until it can be rubbed away from the circuit board. If all was done correctly, the ink is left behind. I didn't get a super clean transfer because I think I needed more pressure for a longer period. Anyway, once the paper was cleaned off, I then proceeded to the acid bath.

The acid bath is 2 parts Hydrogen Peroxide (the over the counter stuff) with 1 part Muriatic acid. I lightly agitated the acid bath (and watched as the solution turned green from the copper) and after a few minutes, the copper disappeared from the non-protected areas. Finally, a wash of acetone (thank you for the nail polish remover honey!) to remove the ink and I got this.

With a little bit of practice, should be making my own boards in no time...