Etching - not at all Laverda or bike related..

veravista

veravista

Senior member
Location
Derbyshire
Wonder if anyone might know the answer to this one - bit off the wall really so I'm not going to divulge what it's for just in case I get shot down in flames for being a bit of a tart...  I want to etch some stainless steel, good quality casting.  At the moment it's polished, but I need to take back part of the surface to a smooth, matt(ish) etched finish.  I've figured out how to mask the part I need etching with wax but what I'd like to know is there anything I can use to matt out the area, preferably easily commercially available and not too aggressive as I've only really got one shot at it.

Amy thoughts appreciated.
 
Soda blasting gives a nice dull matte finish to aluminum; not sure if it is aggressive enough for S/S but might be worth a try.
Dennis
 
One of these - used very lightly and multi-directionally can give a decent matt finsish. It takes a little time. Just kiss the surface.

Scrub it up harshly first, on a sharp edge.

Mask with more than wax though....

http://3mcollision.com/products/abrasives/scotch-brite/abrasive-wheels/scotch-brite-roloc-general-purpose-scuffing-wheel-07443.html
 
Use a photoimageable or plotter cut sandblasting mask for the area you don't want etched and take it to your local sandblaster or glass engraver.
If they use a fine grit they can slowly get to a satin or matt finish.


 
Soda blasting has very little effect (tried it) and the item is too valuable to take a big blaster to, and really I'd rather wreck do it myself.  I was looking for a chemical solution really, hence the wax mask - have tried vinegar (useless) so the next stop is probably dilute battery acid.
 
Nitric acid is pickling acid.
The stuff you use to etch the blade of a knife once you scratch a design/logo on it.
The acid eats away once the surface is opened up.
Might work for your application.
Are you going to tell us what you're doing now?
 
Just had a word with an engraver I sometimes do some work for and his etcher uses Ferric Chloride mixed 1:1 with water
for stainless. His advise was to etch a little at a time, rinse then re-apply until you get to the finish you want.

In a previous life we used to use it for etching spring steel to make trembler switches, glove up well it's manky stuff.
 
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