Here's what I do:
1) Figure out design, power sand the axe head
2) Spray paint the entire surface, 4-5 coats, dry between each coat. Let all dry 24+ hours
3) Draw design on paint using pencil
4) Cut design out of paint using dremel scribe-thing
5) Etch (get your etchant at radio shack or amazon on line)
6) Strip paint
Let us know how the battery method goes if you try that.
1) Figure out design, power sand the axe head
2) Spray paint the entire surface, 4-5 coats, dry between each coat. Let all dry 24+ hours
3) Draw design on paint using pencil
4) Cut design out of paint using dremel scribe-thing
5) Etch (get your etchant at radio shack or amazon on line)
6) Strip paint
Let us know how the battery method goes if you try that.