Acid Etching Technique?

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Portman30-06

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Oct 18, 2013
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So with the two kinds of acid etching, actual acid solution or redneck battery charger style, what is the best way to do it neat and accurately? I've been using a pen engraver to make my outline then apply the acid. It's still sloppy though. Anyone have a tip or technique they'd be willing to share?
 
I assume you're masking it somehow? The resist is the most important thing for etching, IMO. I generally tend to use several coats of rattle can spray epoxy paint, making sure to get the kind that won't flake off in big flakes. Then you just dip for an hour or 5 until it's at the depth you want.
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
I assume you're masking it somehow? The resist is the most important thing for etching, IMO. I generally tend to use several coats of rattle can spray epoxy paint, making sure to get the kind that won't flake off in big flakes. Then you just dip for an hour or 5 until it's at the depth you want.
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After you rattle can the blade and your etch is complete how do you go about removing the paint? Just your regular paint stripper or steel wool? Just curious cause I'm etching at the final stages and would hate to sand all over again. Spray can is a good idea !
 
Your question isn't exactly clear. How about showing us a picture of what you are doing, or of something you etched with your method.


Are you etching your logo, or a design or picture on a blade?
 
The troubles occur with letters or numbers. I guess I'm asking how to mask it the best. Ive tried tape, nail polish, enamel paint pens and the outcome usually has a sloppy look to it. Should I just engrave for this type of accuracy?
 
Bfusmc03117 said:
After you rattle can the blade and your etch is complete how do you go about removing the paint? Just your regular paint stripper or steel wool? Just curious cause I'm etching at the final stages and would hate to sand all over again. Spray can is a good idea !
Click to expand...

Yup, I just use some paint stripper. Works great.

For letters, I'd probably want to get a pre-made reusable stencil that I could attach with some spray-on adhesive and remove with acetone.
 
I went as far as 0.5mm (1/50 inch)
The longer you etch the deeper it will go. At some point though you will lose some of the finer details if you go too deep.
 
Yep. It will begin to undercut the resist no matter what you use as mask. Thats where laser etching becomes mandatory unfortunately most of us dont have lasers and CNC machines laying around in the pantry. Bummer!
Jens Schuetz said:
I went as far as 0.5mm (1/50 inch)
The longer you etch the deeper it will go. At some point though you will lose some of the finer details if you go too deep.
Click to expand...
 
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