Acid wash: what’s your mixture

[Outdoor Gear Dad]

I have been doing 50/50 ferric and apple cider vinegar but I hear people using distilled water. What gets the darkest and beat results for you?

Also how do y’all dispose of the stuff?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Ratio varies from 1:1 to 1:3 (FC:H2O. I use 1:3 and plain tap water.

Disposal is easy - put it in a 5 gallon bucket of water and pour it out near the garden. The lawn loves the iron, too.

 

[Outdoor Gear Dad]

Ratio varies from 1:1 to 1:3 (FC:H2O. I use 1:3 and plain tap water.

Disposal is easy - put it in a 5 gallon bucket of water and pour it out near the garden. The lawn loves the iron, too.

Ah that’s easy....so no need to add additional chemicals to neutralize it?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Not really. Dilution is enough. If you want to dump a cup of sodium bicarbonate in it it wouldn't hurt, but it really isn't necessary.

 

[Triple Stripe Knives]

I've been doing around 50/50 FC and tap water, I just bought either 500ml, or 1l (can't remember), then filled it with tap water until it filled my >12" 2" wide ABS tube. Not very precise, but it's been working, makes Nitro-V very dark very quickly.
Then I just shake it with smallish rocks in a 2l soda bottle.
Also an FYI, if you use your FC to dissolve copper, if you do it enough it will plate your knife with copper. Ask me how I know.

 

[fishface5]

Acid copper wash - That could be an interesting look!