etchant problem - rust-colored spots???

[markmarkmark]

i picked up a nice case "canoe" knife the other day with an etched native american in a canoe on the blade. upon closer inspection, it looks like someone was very careless with the etching process and there are spots all around the etching that look like rust...i don't think it's actually rust, although it is a lighter orangeish rust color. is there any way i can correct this short of using sandpaper? i'd like to get rid of the spots without damaging the etched-on design. and i'd rather not have to exchange it.

thanks!

 

[markmarkmark]

never mind. i used some stainless steel cleaner. took the spots right off. unfortunately, it took some of the etching off as well, turned it from black to a lighter gray.

i don't s'pose there's a way to restore it?!!!!!!!!!!

 

[TekSec]

Re-etch for a few minutes?