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Originally Posted by archer
Hi David S, You mentioned you preferred using Phosphoric acid to etch. Would you tell us what grade, strength% you use and if diluted the ratio.
My first etching was with some used in wine testing worked great now not available. Thanks, Steve
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Steve: you don't need to dilute it at all. Use it right out of the bottle. I know some people might be a little afraid of using it at its full strength, but don't worry, I have used it for many years this way with very good results. Unlike ferric chloride it will not darken any silver. For a darker etch you can very carefully heat the blade with a propane torch, two or three QUICK passes on each side. Of course before you do this you will want to degrease the blade with acetone, lacquer thinner or whatever.The acid on a heated blade will have a tendency to fizz up, but don't worry, this is normal. If the blade is heated up a little too much it will come out too dark and you will have to repolish and start over again. No harm done, just a little extra time lost. Home Depot carries it in gallon jugs. It is used as either concrete or metal etch. Hopes this helps..........Dave.