Another question about etching

ariel · 18th July 2010, 07:48 PM

I have been using a new bottle of the RadioShack etching fluid ( ferric chloride), diluted ~1:5. Took a soft cloth, soaked it, passed in a single movement over the blade (polished, washed, dried, alcohol defatted), and after ~10 seconds, washed it with copious amount of water , then sodiuim bicarbonate, then water again and dried it. From the beginning to the end it took no more than 1 min.
I got a wootz pattern ( pretty feeble), but the entire blade became grey.
What should I do to:
1. Enhance the pattern? More concentrated etcher? Longer exposure?
2. Eliminate the grey color? Rub it with rough felt?

18th July 2010, 07:48 PM	#1
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Another question about etching I have been using a new bottle of the RadioShack etching fluid ( ferric chloride), diluted ~1:5. Took a soft cloth, soaked it, passed in a single movement over the blade (polished, washed, dried, alcohol defatted), and after ~10 seconds, washed it with copious amount of water , then sodiuim bicarbonate, then water again and dried it. From the beginning to the end it took no more than 1 min. I got a wootz pattern ( pretty feeble), but the entire blade became grey. What should I do to: 1. Enhance the pattern? More concentrated etcher? Longer exposure? 2. Eliminate the grey color? Rub it with rough felt?