Etchant pads??

[DannyDiablo]

I was wondering what everyone uses for pads when etching...I was looking to order some and was surprised to see that a package of 10 cost over 12 dollars!!!. Does anyone use anything that you can get at your local craft store or does it need to be something particular...Thanks Dan

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Yes!

I use regular felt from the craft store. Cut strips and double them up for a great etch.

They are really inexpensive and work great, probably better than the purpose made pads.

 

[DannyDiablo]

Thanks Daniel...that's exactly what I wanted to hear...lol

 

[Daniel Fairly Knives]

Thanks Daniel...that's exactly what I wanted to hear...lol

Thanks! I tried all sorts of stuff until I used the felt, I am glad to help.

 

[JBS TOOLMAKER]

I buy these make-up removal pads from wally world, it's like 50 for a dollar.

 

[Carl_First_Timer]

I use the felt as well. Seems to work okay, though I do not have anything to compare to.

 

[Patrice Lemée]

I use Q-Tips myself. Cheap and gives you good control.

 

[Steve Randall]

I use the cotton make-up pads from wally world also never had any problems.

steve

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

The paper core q-tips work best for me.

 

[Battle Creek Knives]

i used to use q tips and an old battery charger (think cell phone charger) but now I have an actual etcher with the larger stamp I've been meaning to get some felt but will have to try the makeup gig, I'm sure my wife has one or two laying around...

currently I've doubled over flannel.... !!!! works good, but I'm not sure if my stencils feel the same way.... I've only done a handful so far...

 

[DannyDiablo]

Thanks guys....How many etchings do you guys use them for??

 

[Drew Riley]

I bought a couple yards of black felt a couple of years ago, and it works great. (Color doesn't really matter, it's just what I chose)

That being said, if you buy a couple of yards like I did, you'll likely find out that you only need about 1% of that... hahaha. I cut about 10 1" x 2" (or so) pads from the felt, and in two years I think I've only gone through 5 of them. Not that I'm making 100's of etches, but i've made a few, and the felt seems to last forever.

 

[wolffbite]

I use makeup removal pads. Single use, then throw away. Not much sense in trying to reuse them and getting mixed results because you are trying to save a few cents!