Blotchy Etch Question

[2lbt2]

Hi All,

I etched 6 sample pieces of heat treated CPM154 at different times from 5-30 minutes to see the differences

I cleaned surfaces with acetone prior to etch

I used straight Ferric Chloride, rinsed, and left in baking soda bath for several minutes

The result was nice but still slight unevenness to the etch

I noticed some people dilute the Ferric and some don't

Some makers stop and rinse then re-submerge

Will any of these work to even out the etch ??

Any info is greatly appreciated !

Thanks

Rob

 

[wiredbeans]

Is the uneveness happen with the 5/10/15 minutes soak? A 30 minute soak shouldn't be blotchy, soaking baking soda afterwards is just to neutralize the acid and prevent any leftover acid from etching the metal further, it will not alter the etching that already took place