Etching Question

J

jackdaddy69

Joined
Mar 1, 2007
Messages
22
I recently started etching my name in my knives. After about a month I have noticed one of them has started to rust in the mark. The steel is 52100. Did I not get the steel cleaned good enough after etching? And what should I use too clean with after etching? Any help would be greatly appreciated. And thanks for all of the threads they have been very helpful for us new guys.
 
you need to use some sort of neutralizing solution after you etch, because the electrolytes used for electro chem etching are corrosive and promote rust. A very very good washing off with water can work too as long as you get rid of all the electrolyte, but a neutralizing solution is better.
 
Hi jack i only have etched stainless but as soon as i finish the mark i pour a tiny puddle of cleanser that came with my etcher over the mark. Then rinse and wash with soapy water.
 
Since the etching solution is probably acidic, I wonder if washing with baking soda solution would be a good neutralizer?
Dan
 
Spray with Windex containing Ammonia rinse with warm water then wash with dish soap and rinse with warm water again. Then dry. If not stainless apply a coat of oil or paste wax.
Jim Arbuckle
 
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