Safe etching

[Othniel]

I read that I can use vinegar and fruit juice (fresh) like kiwi juice, to etch; but can I etch a picture using them? From what I read on this forum, they didn't etch anything really, just show a random pattern. Is there a way that I can isolate the acids to etch a picture, using vinegar or juice? See, I am 17 almost 18, still live at home and my mother won't let me get the chemicals to do it; and I would prefer not to have to use them if I don't have to.

[easilyconfused]

I'm not 100% sure but the random pattern you're talking about is due to the metal's themselves being in a random pattern from the forging process.

[Robert Mayo]

What are you going to etch?

[Othniel]

I was going to etch a small picture and initials on a blade.:)

[Robert Mayo]

You can boils down vinegar to make a stronger acid to etch. Make sure it is carbon steel if it is stainless it will not work. Use nail polish to act as a block on the area around where you want to etch and just have your picture and initials bare. It will take a few times do a coat leave for a while the wash of if it is not enough repeat until you get it the way you want than use nail polish remover to clean the blade.

Good luck
Bob

[Othniel]

Thank You!!!:D

[Jmercier]

As for etching initials and such on a blade, electroetching and using a stencil is a much cleaner way of doing it and gives you a consistant image every time. The most volitile chemical you need to use is salt water (although commercial electrolytes do etch cleaner )

[Othniel]

That sounds cool, I'll ask my father about that. See I was telling my father about this cool forum I found and brought up my question, he said to wax the blade and then draw your image in the wax with something, making sure that it removed the wax completely from that area. Then put it in your vinegar. Next time I'll just ask my father first then post and ask opinions about it. Thank you all very much!!!!:)

[keykeeper]

As Jmercier said, electroetching is safe. Do a search on it on google. There are some methods that use a resist, which keeps the etchant from etching unintended parts. There is also a pretty safe acid paste available that may work. I have a family member that used to etch glass with it. Search etching, chemical etching etc.

have fun

aaron c

[Mende]

You can boils down vinegar to make a stronger acid to etch. Make sure it is carbon steel if it is stainless it will not work. Use nail polish to act as a block on the area around where you want to etch and just have your picture and initials bare. It will take a few times do a coat leave for a while the wash of if it is not enough repeat until you get it the way you want than use nail polish remover to clean the blade.

Good luck
Bob

If one boils vinegar.. doesn't the acid evaporate? or is the acid the only things that doesn't evaporate. .unlike the water and alcohol?

Have you made strong acid by boiling vinegar?

[Robert Mayo]

Common household vinegar is 5-6% acedic acid if you boil it down it makes it a stronger acid.
And yes i have made it stronger by reducing it.

[Mende]

Okay then!. I'll surely try it a couple of times:)