Does SS etching solution go bad?

L

LCoop

Joined
May 5, 2007
Messages
629
I bought stencils and etching solution from TUS last year. I'm a hobbist knife maker so usually only have time to make knives in the winter months. Last year my etching results were awesome. This year I'm having a hard time to etch effectively.

For a power supply I have a ancient lab voltage power supply that puts out adjustable AC or DC voltage and selectable from 0.5 amps or 10 amps. I've checked the output voltage and it's dead nuts on according to my Fluke meter. The stencils are still in great shape. The voltages I used last winter doesn't work this year which leads me to believe my stainless steel etching solution has changed? Is that possible?
 
I'm guessing your electrolyte has gone bad. The electrolyte I have is over 10 years past due and still going strong. The mfg said it should last indefinitely if I kept it out of direct light. I put it in the cabinet and close the door when I'm not using it. Back k track--- If the voltage is correct your polarity is probably backwards. positive on the blade, negative on the electrode. DC to etch, AC to mark. Hope this helps.
 
Oh I'd never heard keeping the solution out of direct light. I just had my solution sitting on a open shelve in the garage. I have always stored my stencils in the dark and they look like brand new. Polarity is the same I used last year. Thanks
 
L
Just read my post for before. I meant to say I doubt the electrolyte has gone bad. Anyway, try using a tsp of salt in a cup of water for an electrolyte and do a test on a piece of carbon steel. This will test everything but your electrolyte. If it works, your original electrolyte is probably the problem, if not you have other problems.
Jim A.
 
I understood what you meant! Appreciate the reply. I'll do that. But to be honest I haven't worked with NON SS material for so long I'll have to dig and I have no history with etching it! I'm 99.9 percent convinced it's the solution as in nothing else has changed. I never thought about sun light on my solution only my stencils. It makes sense BUT you would think they would send in a brown bottle like hydrogen proxide if sun light made a change. Just like beer bottles! lol lol Thanks for the thoughts!
 
sea/table salt mixed with distilled white vinegar to saturation works great in a pinch. It'll etch most anything I've tried, including AEB-L, may be a bit hard on the stencils though.

I have some SS etching solution I think has gone myself, it works, but not well, last time I tried it. Hell it was dusty when I bought it lol.
 
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