Etching a design on a metal surface covered with a pigmented layer

A method of etching a design on a metal surface comprising:

• applying a stencil defining the design to a stencil layer,
• wherein the stencil layer includes a vinyl surface and an adhesive surface;
• adhering the stencil layer to the metal surface covered with a pigmented layer,
• wherein the adhesive surface attaches to the metal surface covered with the pigmented layer;
• applying a coat of citrus-based gel,
• wherein the citrus-based gel is formulated to at least partially separate the pigmented layer from the metal surface, and
• wherein the citrus-based gel is formulated to not abrade the vinyl surface and the adhesive surface;
• applying heat not exceeding 150° F. to the coat of citrus-based gel;
• removing, after applying the heat, the coat of citrus-based gel, thereby removing at least a portion of the pigmented layer from the metal surface;
• and
• separating a remaining pigmented layer from the metal surface using a pick tool or a gust of air.

A method comprising:

• applying a stencil defining the design to a stencil layer,
• wherein the stencil layer includes a vinyl surface and an adhesive surface;
• adhering the stencil layer to the metal surface covered with a pigmented layer,
• wherein the adhesive surface attaches to the metal surface covered with the pigmented layer;
• applying a coat of citrus-based gel,
• wherein the citrus-based gel is formulated to at least partially separate the pigmented layer from the metal surface, and
• wherein the citrus-based gel is formulated to not abrade the vinyl surface and the adhesive surface;
• applying heat not exceeding 150° F. to the coat of citrus-based gel;
• removing, after applying the heat, the coat of citrus-based gel, thereby removing at least a portion of the pigmented layer from the metal surface;
• and
• separating a remaining pigmented layer from the metal surface using a pick tool or a gust of air.