Etching damascus

[unky_gumbi]

I have a piece of damascus that I would like to put a quick etch on so I can see the pattern better to lay out my design on. It had a light etch on it originally but I had it precision ground so now its gone. Is there any quick and dirty way I can bring the pattern back up for my lay out with common household products? It doesn't have to be bright and bold, just enough for me to see the lay of the pattern.

 

[Dan Seaver]

Vinegar or lemon juice will work. If its the piece you got from me it was etched at Randy's with vinegar. Once its hardened it will etch much darker and bolder. I highly suggest ferric chloride for the final etch.

 

[unky_gumbi]

Thanks Dan, yup its yours and I did plan on the ferric chloride for the finish etch, this is just to get the best placement of my pattern to match the steels pattern, time to break out the vinegar.

 

[michdad]

Shoulda read here before pming Dan my question! Does the type of vinegar matter, and rub the steel down or soak?

Matt

 

[unky_gumbi]

I just used a q-tip to rub it on then washed it off once I got the depth I wanted

this is what I got, just enough to see the pattern