Damascus flaking during etch.

[steierknives]

I have been having problems with damascus during etching. While I etch the blade there are spots on the blade which should turn black, that seem to flake off. Instead of a dark area, I am getting an area that looks like it was etched then the color flaked off leaving an etched surface that is lighter than it should be. Trying to re-etch does not work. It occurs on damascus by a couple of well known makers, so its not just one brand of steel that does it.
Both pieces were high carbon damascus, not stainless. Anyone have any ideas on how to stop this or how to darken the light areas?

Picture not too good. Http:/images1.snapfish.com/3476%3B7257%7Ffp347%3Evq%3D3264%3E247%3E%3B4%3A%

 

[John Frankl]

Sometimes when you etch too long you get a "washed out" look. Try multiple 20-30 second etches with full rinses/neutralizations in between. It's like grinding a blade--you can always do a little bit more, but you can never go back once you have done too much

John