Etching CPM-S35vn

R

rincan

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Aug 20, 2014
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I am looking to etch some CPM-S35vn and make some patterns with the nail polish method of covering parts and etching others. Ive done this with high carbon steel blades using straight ferric chloride. Would this also work for the stainless or is there another acid that would work better?

Thanks in advance!
 
FC will etch stainless. It just works slower. The biggest problems come from leaving the blade upright and still too long and getting "streaks" up the blade. Move around and take out to inspect often. Rinse off with water and put back until you get the results you want. Try a test piece of metal first to get the timing figured out.

NOTE:
Hardened stainless etches much different than unhardened. Stainless steels are not nearly as corrosion resistant until HT.
 
FC will etch stainless. It just works slower. The biggest problems come from leaving the blade upright and still too long and getting "streaks" up the blade. Move around and take out to inspect often. Rinse off with water and put back until you get the results you want. Try a test piece of metal first to get the timing figured out.

NOTE:
Hardened stainless etches much different than unhardened. Stainless steels are not nearly as corrosion resistant until HT.
 
Ok that sounds good ill give it a try. Do you have any recommendations as to anything that works better then FC?
 
No.....

Professionals use many things, but they are not for beginners with little skills and equipment.
 
I haven't etched s35vn with it but muriatic acid is my go to. It can be found at most home improvement stores in the pool section. Nasty stuff so be careful with it.
 
Ok maybe ill give that a try too. And Stacy i do have a good friend who is in chemistry so i can get my hands on some set up and friend with skills that in exchange for some beers if you have any alternatives.
 
The reason I didn't mention muriatic acid is that it can be really dangerous. Just because it is sold for almost nothing in big jugs in the pool shops and Home Depot doesn't mean it is safe. It is unbelievably corrosive and will rust everything nearby...and what it does to flesh isn't pretty at all.
Staying at a Holiday Inn, or knowing a chemist isn't good enough to handle Hydrochloric acid.


I etch all my stainless damascus in FC and it works fine.
 
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