Ferric Chloride

navman

navman

Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
Joined
Mar 4, 2013
Messages
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Haven't done much Damascus recently so I need to buy more FCl. I used to get it from Radio Shack, but...well...that ship has sailed. Just looked up FCl online and saw it for sale from Jantz, 16ozs for $21 plus shipping! at Micro-Mark it's $11 plus shipping...what's the difference?
 
Check size of bottle. Also you might check Amazon. a pint bottle for $16 shipped: B07FCF7Z3G
or a better deal is a gallon for $45 shipped: B005T8VHCS
 
Thanks Ken, both are 16 ozs, as far as I can tell. Thought it may have been concentration strength, but can't find details on that.
 
Search Amazon for MG Chemicals - 415-4L Ferric Chloride Copper Etchant Solution, 4L Liquid Bottle, Dark Brown

Very happy with it.

ETA looks like Ken posted the same product
 
I prefer to mix it myself from dry FC. Amazon and Ebay both have the dry power or chunks. That way I can make a good size supply and keep the etch tanks full. I have posted the mixing directions several times before.
 
I may try to order dry powder instead of pre mix.
 
navman said:
I may try to order dry powder instead of pre mix.
Click to expand...
I'm a chemist and have access to labs, fume hoods etc, and we had a bunch of the powder in "free stores" (meaning surplus I could take for free). Even with all that I prefer just buying the bottle I linked to. I can fill my etching tank 6-8 times from one bottle even at the strongest dilution I use, so the one bottle will last years. Unless you are very tight on funds right now I don't see any advantage.
 
I agree that it is a matter of the quantity needed. I have a 4" wide 36" tall etch tank and a smaller 3X18" one.

One other consideration is shipping costs. The powder/rock form ships in a flat rate box. The liquid ships ground and may have a hazardous chemical fee in some cases.
 
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Richard338 Richard338 is spot on. Chemists would buy the liquid for home use. :)

For anyone who may be forced into the powder:

When you dissolve the powder, a lot of precipitate is formed, which one must then let settle and decant the liquid. Ferric oxide. Messy.

What I consider a bigger problem is that the dissolving is an "exothermic reaction" and the amount of heat it gives off can be significant. Glass vessels. No plastic until it's cooled and decanted. Nothing galvanized, either, or the zinc will dissolve. Add the powder slowly with constant stirring and don't get ahead of the rate it's dissolving. Use distilled water.

Edit to add mandatory semi-responsible chemist's safety lecture: This off-gasses HCl (hydrochloric acid). Use gloves, apron, face shield and adequate ventilation.
 
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I agree that the liquid is easier to use. it is a matter of volume for me.
I use a heavy 5-gallon drywall bucket and add the chunks and powder slowly over 15 or twenty minutes. After it is all dissolved and has been stirred for a while, I let it sit covered overnight. I then pour it into the tanks and a 2.5 gallon plastic storage jug. Do all this outside with the breeze to your back, as it also gives off a strong chlorine vapor. Also, don't mix or use FC on the driveway or patio unless you want them stained (same for the liquid).
 
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