Coffee Stains

A. G. Maisey · 6th June 2011, 07:31 AM

Bill Moran

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_F._Moran

used hydrochloric acid, as I did myself until I discovered ferric chloride.

In fact, dilute hydrochloric acid , and virtually any other acid, if handled correctly, will give a more realistic and subdued stain than ferric chloride.

If you need a topographic etch before you stain, hydrochloric acid is probably better for this, but in my opinion the nicest finish to damascus is a very light etch that leaves you with a smooth polished surface and a subdued stain, rather than the in-your-face high contrast that most knife show buyers seem to prefer.

6th June 2011, 07:31 AM	#7
A. G. Maisey Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 7,085	Bill Moran http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_F._Moran used hydrochloric acid, as I did myself until I discovered ferric chloride. In fact, dilute hydrochloric acid , and virtually any other acid, if handled correctly, will give a more realistic and subdued stain than ferric chloride. If you need a topographic etch before you stain, hydrochloric acid is probably better for this, but in my opinion the nicest finish to damascus is a very light etch that leaves you with a smooth polished surface and a subdued stain, rather than the in-your-face high contrast that most knife show buyers seem to prefer.