Acid wash - Does the type of steel make a difference?

[SCWillson]

Does it matter what kind of steel you acid wash, or are stainless steels more resistant to acid washing than tool steels? What steels acid wash best, and what kind of colors does acid washing produce?

Could you successfully acid wash a blade after it has already been stonewashed?

 

[Rival1314]

Yes to all the above questions

While I cant speak specifically to all steel types. The type of steel and its composition will have an impact on the acid wash. Mostly how long it takes to get a dark finish. Some steels will take longer to get dark, others darken quickly. I have seen examples of composite blade knives that were acid washed and the two types of steel turned out in slightly different colors due to the differences in steel type.

Yes you can acid wash a stonewashed blade.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

Most stainless steel laugh at bleach type acid washings.
Carbon steel will be acid washed with simple apple vinegar. Thats what I use to etch Carbon steel damascus. I can do it indoors and when i am done I can pour it down the sink. The acids can be a little dangerous to work with. The fumes are strong from Bleach and other stronger acids.

Laurence