Finishing Pattern Welded Steel

[John Frankl]

Hello All,

I am just looking for opinions on etching pattern welded steel.

Some stress multiple short etching cycles; others stress one long cycle.

Some use 2000 grit paper; others use fine steel wool.

There are also various ideas about neutralizing the etchant and final treatments to prevent rust.

Etc.

I'm dumb, but not dumb enough to be looking for a "right anwser." I'm just interested in people's methods and ideas.

Thanks,

John

 

[mete]

It's something you have to play with. What effect do you and the customer want ? Subtle or obvious ? Also depends on the alloys used. Etchant variables - temperature ,time, concentration, type of etchant. Most common etchants are Ferric chloride or vinegar [acetic acid] .Neutralizing best done with baking soda.You can't escape experimenting !

 

[J. Neilson]

I agree with Mete.

Personally, I finish my blades to 800 grit on the KMG and do a rough mirror polish with green chrome on the buffer. Then I etch in ferric for 10 min. 3-5 times depending on how I want the finish to look (depth, shatoyencey[sp?], etc.), rubbing the blade down with 0000 steel wool and cleaning between each etch. After the blade has been etched to satisfaction I give it a quick, light buff with mirror white compound.