Some nice engraving and elements shown here.
You might improve things by using a stipple, dot or texture punch in the relieved background areas.
Also please look at pictures or castings showing the repeat borders and the various methods of treating the corner and middle sections of the long...
I've done quite a bit of this type work.
The plating was applied over the well polished, hand engraved metal surface.
Speedball Oil Based printers ink was then applied in the engraved areas.
Please think about the graver texture in the bottom of your cuts, where you want the ink or paint to...
Hello AL 12.
You will have much better luck with transfers if the metal you are transferring to is not mirror polished.
First get all the "bugs" out of the metal and polish it.
Then slightly dull that polish with some warn-out 600 or 1200 paper.
Next, Transfer your image.
Use a burnish type...
201,You'll never know 'till you try it. !!
Just a couple of minuets to switch it out.
Run it for awhile, maybe a day or two.
Couple of minuets to switch it back if you don't like it.
Best of luck on your engraving journey.
Nicely done. if this is early work.
Do it again and cut away the background on the next one.
Also use it to get a start on your shading practice.
Keep going. it's looking good, lets see more from you.
John B.
I use two large diameter vise pins with short brass points soldered on them at 90degrees.
These fit and hold the cylinder in it's normal points of rotation, without any damage.
And it allows the vise to tighten and clamp the the cylinder stationary, or to allow it to be rotated, as desired.
Take...
Some beautiful engraving work and outstanding shading.
Wonderful scrollwork, borders and backgrounding.
Not my thing, but If you are into skulls, these are about the best I've seen.
Some real artistic talent displayed here!