Acid etching info

[ran_dizolph]

Hey folks,

I'm aiming to etch a couple of enclosures in the relatively near future, but am having a tough time finding the etching solution. Ferric Chloride is, from what I have seen in my online travels, what most people use/recommend.

I'm in Canada, and have gone to/called every place I can think of (hardware, chemical, pool supply, paint, etc.) that would have the stuff, and no one seems to know what I'm talking about. Is there a BRAND I should be looking for, a place to go, or am I even asking for the right thing?

I'd like to have something that's reasonably safe to have around, use, and dispose of.

Secondly, I've seen a couple of people mention trying it, but haven't seen many results:
I have access to a vinyl plotter, which to me would eliminate the need to print/iron on the graphic (which seems like a hassle). Does anyone know if vinyl will work for etching?

Seeing as people use packing tape and such to protect the boxes, I figured it would, but just wanted to be sure.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[Mike]

You are not likely to find FeCl for sale for many uses beyond etching circuit boards. I've never seen it for sale outside of Radio Shack.

I use Muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) that is sold at hardware stores, as do tons of other people. Looks like they sell it at by the liter at Home Hardware. You would have to mix it with peroxide (weak stuff at the pharmacy, good stuff at beauty supply stores). There was another topic recently-- I think the etched enclosure topic-- where a different, lower-fume HCl formula was recommended.

For the vinyl plotter, I am sure that vinyl would withstand the etching. My concerns would be 1. Some adhesives have a cure time, and with my luck the vinyl would need to cure for a few days. 2. Etching can generate heat, and heat is the enemy of many adhesives. 3. Can you do completely floating vinyl, meaning a dot in a middle of blank space, or is it limited like stencils?

If vinyl would work, I bet it would be great. One of the most important steps in getting a sharp transfer and etch is making sure the box top is completely flat. I bet you wouldn't need to do that if you were sticking on vinyl.

Mike

[ran_dizolph]

Thanks for the info!

Guess I'll grab some Muriatic acid, and the missus is a hair stylist, so we've got peroxide kicking around.

I'll just go with the vinyl first, see what happens, and report back. Thanks!