Abstract: A method of forming a metal mold or die from a model of the mold contours. A workpiece for the mold is coated with a material which is resistant to an acidic etchant and which has a melting temperature sufficiently elevated such that the coating is generally solid. The coated workpiece is then immersed in an etchant, and a heated template is pressed against the coated workpiece, melting any portions of the coating contacted by the template. The melted portions of the coating are displaced until the template contacts the surface of the workpiece. The template is then withdrawn to permit solidification of the coating, the etchant etches any portions of the workpiece exposed by displacement of the coating, and the process is repeated until the surface of the workpiece conforms to any contouring of the surface of the template.