Etching with iron(III)chloride hexahydrate

kai · 16th October 2014, 10:18 PM

Hello Martin,

Please search this site for several detailed tips.

Just a few comments:
Concentration is not so critical but make sure you don't overdo things! Evenly wipe the solution over the blade (repeatedly - the reaction is usually pretty fast though). Start with a weak solution and increase the concentration if needed.

FeCl3 is a strong, agressive etchant: apply as short as possible, neutralize very carefully, and wash off generously. Make sure the etching solution touches the blade only and protect all fittings!

Ferric chloride will dull a steel surface quickly. After a first exploratory etch, one stragegy is to repolish by hand and follow up with a very quick final etch.

Any traces left on the blade or other parts will keep being corrosive forever - be very careful with applying the stuff and, especially, removing the etchant completely.

Regards,
Kai

A. G. Maisey · 17th October 2014, 01:19 AM

Good practice is to kill the etchant with a slurry of bicarbonate of soda.

Blade must be absolutely clean and free of oil or grease prior to commencement.

Warm temperatures speed reaction.

16th October 2014, 10:18 PM	#1
kai Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,255	Hello Martin, Please search this site for several detailed tips. Just a few comments: Concentration is not so critical but make sure you don't overdo things! Evenly wipe the solution over the blade (repeatedly - the reaction is usually pretty fast though). Start with a weak solution and increase the concentration if needed. FeCl3 is a strong, agressive etchant: apply as short as possible, neutralize very carefully, and wash off generously. Make sure the etching solution touches the blade only and protect all fittings! Ferric chloride will dull a steel surface quickly. After a first exploratory etch, one stragegy is to repolish by hand and follow up with a very quick final etch. Any traces left on the blade or other parts will keep being corrosive forever - be very careful with applying the stuff and, especially, removing the etchant completely. Regards, Kai Last edited by kai; 17th October 2014 at 06:15 PM.

17th October 2014, 01:19 AM	#2
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,015	Good practice is to kill the etchant with a slurry of bicarbonate of soda. Blade must be absolutely clean and free of oil or grease prior to commencement. Warm temperatures speed reaction.