Muriatic acid is diluted hydrochloric acid; it should be handled with extreme care. Step Three: Applying the Acid Solution. I should mention that this should be done outside since the vapors are stinky and it produces hydrogen gas. These products combine 50% of 50% of controversial rows in metal Damascus. Etching a stainless damascus steel knife (or any damascus) is not as complicated as many people tend to believe. Etching acids can range from powerful hydrochloric or sulfuric acid to much weaker acids even household vinegar, citrus fruit, or mustard can be used effectively. Ferric chloride is not an "acid" per se. How do I heat-treat 3V/CPM-154 Damascus billet? on Step 8. 90% lower fumes than standard Muriatic Acid. You can order it off of Amazon, believe it or not. Remove your Damascus piece from acids and throw it to your baking board for 5 minutes to reduce acids. Copper can be etched with ferric chloride mixed in water to form weak hydrochloric acid. These bridges or buildings aroun, Make sure to wear regular gear when working with acids. I've since settle on at 4-1 dilution, and overall etching a blade takes 45-60 mins. What kind of acid do you use to etch a knife? Use ferric chloride it is much safer and not as corrosive. [woocommerce-edit-address-nonce] => It still retains enough corrosive quality to etch your steel blades. Very nice blade! In the video linked above, YouTuber TheSmokinApe acid-etches an ESEE blade with Frenchs mustard. For ferric acid, keep the grit between 400 and 600. FORGE, Jan 1, 2014 #4 Icho- Staff Member Likes Received: 154 Trophy Points: 63 Thanks Forge. [_wpnonce] => Whats the proper technique for etching Damascus? This steel had been produced for 11 centuries, and in just about a generation, the means of its manufacture was entirely lost. The hydrogen peroxide acts as an oxidizer allowing the acid to eat away the copper. Mine is stronger :-),

Gerald Boggs

. I etch pretty deeply (3-4 soaks at 15-20 minutes, scrubbing oxides off between soaks) then a light buffing with pink scratchless rouge to bring out the contrast. In other words, it is a mixture of ferric and cupric chlorides that is renewable effectively forever. Muriatic acid is a powerful and corrosive acidic liquid made from hydrochloric acid, water, and other trace minerals. Warm acid gives a much faster etch, but then you get less time to control what's happening. Once you find that perfect constant companion, that you keep in your pocket or bag, a great way to set it apart, to personalize it, is with laser engraving! Actually, the process of efflorescence removal discussed above also etches the masonry. Once the half hour is up, check the etching to make sure you're happy with the result. How do you make ferric chloride etching solution? Thanks for the tips. [woocommerce-reset-password-nonce] => Our mission is preserving and promoting the ancient craft of forged knives through education, testing and certification. Put on the goggles and vinyl gloves before mixing the chemicals. [save-account-details-nonce] => Putting acid on your travertine will cause it to initially bubble and fizz (CO2 escaping in the reaction). Whats the proper technique for etching Damascus. Dont touch it with your hands. Make sure your remaining distilled water does not last longer than a year. Did you make this project? Start very dilute, like 1:10 or 1:20. Hydrochloric acid has a normal pH of 1.5 to 3.5, while muriatic acid has a pH of about 1 to 2. and I did neutralize with baking soda bath as directed. 5. Damascus Patterns - From Billet to Finished Product, What's the proper technique for etching Damascus? Never use tap water, spring water, or filtered water - all will cause problems etc. as per: Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-base Balance, View all products of Market Price & Insight. Acid reaches well in the cleanest place. If you are having trouble getting Ferric, try using Muriatic. Using expired acids creates problems with your etching, and you do not want to get it after you have started your acute too old to work properly. (Recipe varies between smith). Neutralize the acid and Lightly sand the oxides off with scotch bright or 2000/3000 grit sand paper and re etch (don't touch it with your fingers). hey guys, i used the lovely search function with pretty much no results. The iron will start reacting with the acid to produce hydrogen gas and ferrous chloride. If you are having trouble getting Ferric, try using Muriatic. My problem here is that I've had some really inconsistent results with the vinegar. Nitric Acid - mixture of 5 - 10% nitric acid with the balance being alcohol. While high in carbon steel, the blade can easily rust if not cared for. If you use muriatic acid, you can bring Damascus up to 1200 grit, or you can leave it 400 grit. But in Vegas Forge, they give that and more. Place your board to be etched in your new solution and watch it go! To make sure that acid is in, you can cast an episode back and out of acid, but mixing is the best way to make sure you get an itch. Will this stuff like sit in a jar without eating the jar? To warm your acid more quickly, the best method is to place the container of acid into a large bowl of warm water. Sure, you can etch steel with hydrochloric acid; e.g. Muriatic acid quickly dissolves efflorescence from concrete surfaces, and it removes other stains as well. [save-account-details-nonce] => Eliminates the need to use harsh chemicals, provides a safer work enviornment . 4 years ago The acid etching will need to be done outside or in a well-ventilated area, and you should wear rubber gloves and goggles from here on out. and wear gloves, eye protection, and clothing. my sword tanks tend to always be in flux, i end up adding peroxide distilled water, or fresh ferric to get then to etch nicely another question is my shop is in garage , it gets cold here will ferric acid freeze , dont want it bursting pvc pipe? Mix water and acid in 3 or 4:1 ratio. Never put acid on the microwave! Even a single fingerprint will effect your acid etch, so be cautious. Go MINIMUM of 3-1 dilution with DISTILLED water only. ( I just etched my first Damascus blade. If you want a deeper etch, repeat steps 5 and 6. This product is a very strong acid that will clean dried cement products off stones, bricks, and other masonry surfaces. Question I do Oh well, looks like another one for the personal collec Thats one of them there corner daggers Ferric chloride is dissolved in water. It will certainly freeze being significantly water. High quality Damascus steel is not the strongest metal you can get. 7. You can etch stainless steel, mild steel, or high-carbon steel. For Pro's and DIY'ers, Klean-Strip is the leading brand of solvents, thinners, removers, and cleaners that are dependable for reliable results. Remember to wear safety goggles and gloves at all times. This comes pre-diluted, but I am not sure what the dilution rate is. If you etch before heat treating you'll just erase it in the cleanup sanding. Bring your Damascus at the end of grit 400 to 600. I was wondering about the thoughts of cold or rust blui Requests: Array Radio Shack sells it online as PCB Etchant. There are significant risks to health and body including maiming and even death. How do you prepare ferric chloride solution for etching? Damascus etching is completed with either ferric chloride or muriatic acid. What is the Best 2x72 Grinder if you had the money? . Michael, my advise would be to dilute it down subtantially with distilled water. For most projects and uses, though, its plenty strong and durable. This is commonly sold in home improvement stores and pool supply stores in gallon jugs. Before you begin, check the expiration date on your acid of choice to be sure that its not too old. Mix baking soda with distilled water, using a lot of cooking soda so you can dip your piece to reduce acids and stop acne action. It needs to be heated on a hot plate or in a crock pot first. How do I heat-treat 440C/CPM-154 Damascus billet? thank will wait till summer then to try it. (Add the acid to the water, not water to acid, for safety reasons.) Or could one actually temper a knife in hot vinegar? Other, safer products are available for etching concrete and should be used . Sign up for a new account in our community. Chaotic Neutral: Give me liberty, or receive death. They dedicate their customers to the unique inspired world patterns around us, for example, raindrops, razor cords, and baskets. Following. Ferric Acid will result in a double grey pattern (dark and light grey pattern) on either a matte or polished finish. This goes with us, but it produces remarkable visibility, and it's good to fix your pieces of photos. I did a simple twist as I like the way it looks. Mix this stuff 4:1 with distilled water. As etching can only work on evenly damp surfaces, you should etch the surface in sections to prevent dry spots. Avoid using acetone items because they leave the remainder then disturb the etch, and do not touch the sterile with your hands. Erik takes the lead with this video because it's his specialty, he shows how to clean the blades, prepare them for etching, etch them, neutralize them, polish after etching, and a lot of other little tricks in between. 2 years ago It's expensive, but amazing. ), Server: Array The muriatic is available at big box home improvement stores or pool supply stores. Fill a glass jar with enough ferric chloride to cover the metal part. A Pocket Sundial From a Broken Pocket Watch! It also eats at the steel. Dilute by adding 1 part of Muriatic acid to 10 parts of water or 1 cup of acid per liter. Those rods and shoes represent an unlimited example made of synthetic steel derived from the art combination, a great quality of dedication and, above all, hard work. The knife in the photo had 3 ten minute dips. Your email address will not be published. We therefore recommend you check the strength of you solution and if necessary gradually dilute with water until you reach a strength of 42 baume. How do I heat-treat 3V/CPM-154 Damascus billet? Cleaning the concrete surface with Muriatic Acid is how to Etch Concrete. If youre using ferric chloride, dilute your acid with distilled water. The nice folks at Forseti have their own quality assurance system in place, and they design many of the more interesting knives in their catalog. For example: "You can also use Windex with this step, but do not try to break your piece. Pour the solution into your watering can you will reduce any splashing using the sprinkle nozzle and the solution will be spread evenly. If you are using ferric acid, lift it with a compact juice until you are so close to 50/50 acid ratio for water supply. These chemical compound work faster than acids. Step 1: Sanding Bring your Damascus to a 400 to 600 grit finish.