The Armour Archive

Hi folks

Anyone know the right concentration of Nitric to get for etching carbon steel.
Fast etching by preference...I can always dilute it for the fancy stuff.

Sasha

I'll check with a Baronial subject that does it, but I think it's about 5-10%.

Isn't nitric for etching silver? I tried some steel in it (a watered steel knife), be prepared to run! It reacted violently and put off a big cloud of gas.

10% Nitric at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, for about 30 minutes will give a decent etch to steel. Do it in a well ventilated/outdoors site. Add the acid to the water, and I recommend having a supply of baking soda handy. (Preceding instructions for those that are not familiar with safety precautions for acid etching.)

I don't know if this will work if you are using the Metric or Celsius systems.

Thanks for the help.
Any other takes and opinions out there?

Sasha

I used some 99.9% fuming nitric acid mixed with 18M HCl at 3:1. It'll eat metal, stainless and just about any resist. Don't use this.

Do auto shops still sell sulfuric acid? Where do you get small quantities of nitric acid retail? I do all my stuff like that back at my research lab area with fume hoods, but I won't have that access much longer and was wondering where others get their supplies.

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Krag von Berghen
KragAxe Armoury

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Locally, I would get it at a science & education center, but it is kinda expensive. A friend in MO says he can get it for $2-3 a gallon or so from a wholesaler.