do you really need DC for electro etching with stencils?

[chknifemaker]

Hey Fellas!
I was wondering do you need to have both ac and DC to do electro-etching?
Thank you!

 

[logem]

DC removes material from the blade and deposits it onto the etch pad; this is the "heart of the etch". AC alternately removes material from the blade and redeposits it, creating the darkened effect. I would believe that only using AC would result in a blotchy mess that with no depth that could fairly easily be removed with sandpaper.

Mike L.

 

[eric brinkerhoff]

I do all of my etching with D C.

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

Yes, you have to have DC for electro-chemical etching. AC is not necessary. A 9v battery works great for electro-etching if you don't have an etcher. However, etching without AC/DC can be accomplished. A vinyl sticker can be used with acid/mustard.