Getting a great finished product isn’t always easy. I like to think of these processes the same way you might think of a meticulous old machinist or a pilot going through his checklist.
Working through these things slowly and methodically will help you achieve better results.
Let’s get started, shall we? My first piece of advise is to treat every job like it is the first job you are ever doing. Be slow and work purposely making sure not to forget ANYTHING. Let’s roll!
1. Inspect the piece you intend to etch on. Make sure it is smooth, flat, sanded, has an even coating of whatever you put on it and is prepped to your satisfaction. Poorly prepped parts will spoil your final product.
2. Second of all you need a GOOD, FLAT, SECURE surface. Etching a grid on it is really beneficial for keeping your work piece straight. Cut on a waste board and clamp that board down to your work surface if you can.

Use Your Grid Lines!