Crude Etching

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aussy
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Crude Etching

Post by aussy »

I just want a texture, similar to this, variation in distress
Image

should I just dunk the unfinished piece in muriatic acid?
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Re: Crude Etching

Post by cloudscapes »

that looks incredible!
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Re: Crude Etching

Post by Jero »

Seems like that should work. A bit safer than ferric chloride too...well I guess if you're not etching copper clad, may not be much different (the dissolved copper is what makes that an environmental issue)
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Re: Crude Etching

Post by crochambeau »

I'd make sure it's nice and dirty first, maybe toss it in a mud puddle or onto a plate of spaghetti so you discourage an even etch.
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Re: Crude Etching

Post by Jwar »

Jero wrote:Seems like that should work. A bit safer than ferric chloride too...well I guess if you're not etching copper clad, may not be much different (the dissolved copper is what makes that an environmental issue)


Wut? Dude, muriatic acid is WAY more toxic than ferric chloride. I would never etch with that shit unless it's a last ditch effort.

Try Acid Magic and thank me later. Faster, cleaner and won't knock you ought unless you inhale a huge amount. ;)
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Re: Crude Etching

Post by Jero »

Not sure what I was thinking of *scratches head*

Another option is hot vinegar. Haven't tried it on enclosures, but it works on knives which are hardened steel.
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Re: Crude Etching

Post by Jwar »

I heard Coca Cola works too! Didn't Ryan from eehhhh fuck I can't remember his etching company name, do that? It turned out all weird and shit. hahaha
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Re: Crude Etching

Post by aussy »

Thanks, y'all! I'll pick up some Acid Magic. I'm assuming you'd still neutralize it in a baking soda bath? Also, is it reusable?
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Re: Crude Etching

Post by DannDubbleEwe »

Acid Magic is awesome. Yes, neutralize with baking soda. Also mix in something like 2 parts AM to 1 part high test hydrogen peroxide (from a beauty supply store) and it will work much faster. Just keep a really good eye on it, wear rubber gloves, don't inhale the fumes that are produced.
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Re: Crude Etching

Post by culturejam »

Never heard of Acid Magic until this thread. Nice!

I used to etch boards and boxes with Muriatic + the high-test H2O2 (Clairoxide). Worked really great, but of course it's nasty stuff.
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Re: Crude Etching

Post by Chuckchuck »

Any alternatives to toxic? Doing this on my balcony.
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Re: Crude Etching

Post by Jwar »

Don't do it on your balcony! LOL!

I honestly don't know of any that are efficient that aren't toxic.
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