Tips on getting a uniform acid etch for pre-stonewash?

[JZknives]

I am having a re-occuring problem where the knife will not darken uniformly.

are there any tips?

I clean the blade with soap and then alcohol wipes before etch to get rid of oils

 

[S.Alexander]

It could be a few different things, but is likely because you are using alcohol wipes. Try using acetone with a clean cloth. Use rubber gloves to avoid getting any oils from your hands on the steel. You should see a more uniform patina then.

 

[Justin King]

I went through this when I was doing stonewashed finishes. I scrubbed the blades with soap and water before etching. Soak in etch for a minute or so, pull them out, rinse, scrub with scotch brite, repeat the washing steps, and then back into the etch for a couple more. I almost never got a perfect, even etch the first soak, I started thinking of the first dip as sort of a primer.

 

[scooternut]

I went through this when I was doing stonewashed finishes. I scrubbed the blades with soap and water before etching. Soak in etch for a minute or so, pull them out, rinse, scrub with scotch brite, repeat the washing steps, and then back into the etch for a couple more. I almost never got a perfect, even etch the first soak, I started thinking of the first dip as sort of a primer.

This has worked well for me as well. I use the scotch bright quite a bit to keep it even, then in vinegar for 3-4 minutes at a time, then a hard drying with a rag then a bit of scotch brite.