Issues With Etching

[Travis Talboys]

I was wondering if anyone could explain speckles on a blade after an etch. The blade is 80CrV2, and has been heat treated and etched the same way I have done before, but never with these results. Any insight into this would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Travis

 

[DevinT]

It’s usually caused by air bubbles on the blade.
Hoss

 

[Ken H>]

Travis, are you talking about specks that appear under the etch stencil itself, but not part of the pattern? "IF" these specks are under the stencil it's most likely pinholes in the stencil allowing electrical current to flow between the etching pad and the blade. These holes can be tiny and not easily visible without holding stencil up to the light

OR, down the blade that's not involved with etching?

 

[Travis Talboys]

Travis, are you talking about specks that appear under the etch stencil itself, but not part of the pattern? "IF" these specks are under the stencil it's most likely pinholes in the stencil allowing electrical current to flow between the etching pad and the blade. These holes can be tiny and not easily visible without holding stencil up to the light

OR, down the blade that's not involved with etching?

The speckles appeared after a soak in FC. I usually let a blade soak for ten to fifteen minutes at a time, then rinse and rub lightly with 1000 grit paper to remove the heavy film. Then it goes back into the FC to continue etching. I do this several times until I get the look I'm after. Prior to etching, I clean the blade with both acetone and rubbing alcohol, so there shouldn't be any oils.

 

[A.McPherson]

You're etching for too long.
As the etch happens bubbles accumulate on the surface of your material, they gather and prevent the acid from reaching the metal.
Etch a few mins, pull it out bush off the oxides, put it back in. You'll have better results.

 

[Travis Talboys]

You're etching for too long.
As the etch happens bubbles accumulate on the surface of your material, they gather and prevent the acid from reaching the metal.
Etch a few mins, pull it out bush off the oxides, put it back in. You'll have better results.

Thank you for that info. I was not aware of that.