This is a job I am in the middle of. I will post some pics of how I go about it.
First is a sketch for the client.
This is billable work, we don't sketch for free.
After it is approved, I reduce it to a line drawing. There are more intermediate drawings, but these two are most important.
Then it can be transfered.
the gold is installed.
The scroll lines cut.
The ground is applied to the areas not being etched.
The etchant is applied.
The etch is feathered, to remove bubbles.
the etchant is rinsed, and reapplied several times.
Another layer of ground is applied.
it is etched several more times, then the ground is removed, and we are ready for the next step