Contrary to common belief, etching is not a generic name for metal decoration and is only one of many different processes used to decorate metal. Acid, laser etching and sand blasting are not standard GageMetal processes.

A. ACID ETCHING
This is the most common type of etching. Metal is removed by acid to create design patterns with a noticeable depth. Acid etching is an environmentally unfriendly process. It is limited to a graphical expression and cannot be produced on metal laminates.

B. SANDBLASTING / BEADBLASTING
By blasting metal with sand, glass or metal beads a finish very similar to acid etching is created on the sheet surface. THIS PROCESS IS NOT USABLE ON ANY METAL LAMINATES. It has no depth. Processing of large areas of a sheet will warp the metal.

C. LASER ETCHING
A powerful laser beam will also etch the metal surface. Because it is very slow, it is unpractical to use laser for large sheet metal surfaces. It is essentially used as a marking or cutting device.