Problems with etching wootz

[archer]

Hi, This sword had not been etched previously and showed no pattern. A phosphoric etch showed promise, but on cleaning nearly all contrast faded away. If your etch is too concentrate you get that blacked scorched effect.
I found on such low contrast I had too go with that and polish lightly with Brillo
pads both regular and non scratch followed by Maas a polishing compound and lightly stop at desired effect. currently still working on this one to even it all out. Keep going but watch out to avoid excessive pitting. Steve

Oh, when polishing out after etch wash blade frequently with a good grease cutting soap material polished off will give a false contrast.