Abstract Contaminants are removed from an exposed surface of a stone element on which a relief is to be produced. The exposed surface is covered with a self-adhesive foil which is intimately adhered thereto in surface-to-surface contact and which is resistant to etching fluid capable of attacking the stone element. An illustration of the desired relief is provided on the exposed side of the foil. Successive sections of the foil are removed, each matching the outline of a portion of the illustration to thereby expose corresponding portions of the surface. To the respectively exposed portions of the surface etching fluid is applied of a concentration and for a period of time requisite to etch the respective exposed portion to desired depth, before another section of the foil is removed and etching fluid is applied to the newly exposed portion.
A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of applying said etching fluid also comprises applying said etching fluid to others of said exposed surface portions at least once and for a period of time considerably shorter than said predetermined period of time, removing the thus-applied etching fluid, and drying the respective other exposed surface portions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method as defined in claim 2; and further comprising the step of applying coloring matter to said depressed surface portions prior to removal of residual sections of said foil from still covered portions of said surface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method as defined in claim 3, wherein said coloring matter is a dispersion dye.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as defined in claim 3, wherein the step of applying said coloring matter comprises spraying said coloring matter onto said depressed surface portions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
67 words
A method as defined in claim 3, wherein first ones of said depressed surface portions are etched in form of narrow and shallow grooves, and wherein second ones of said depressed surface portions are etched in form of deeper recesses having relatively large surface areas, and wherein the step of applying coloring matter comprises applying said coloring matter more heavily in said grooves than in said recesses.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as defined in claim 3, wherein first ones of said depressed surface portions are etched in form of narrow and shallow grooves, and wherein second ones of said depressed surface portions are etched in form of deeper recesses having relatively large surface areas.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
58 words
A method as defined in claim 3; and further comprising the subsequent steps of removing said residual sections of said foil so that said surface is again exposed with the desired relief provided therein; and coating said surface and relief with a layer of transparent material capable of protecting said surface and relief against mechanical and atmospheric damage.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as defined in claim 8, wherein said layer of protective material is colorless and non-reflective.