Etching wootz, opinion needed.

mariusgmioc · 3rd January 2020, 07:31 PM

Ferric chloride seems to be the next best alternative to Nital but
1. it is more difficult to work with as it tends to stain everything... including the sink;
2. the end result shows less contrast than with Nital;
3. it leaves the piece more prone to rust.

As with regards to the etchant store, they used to deliver to individuals until a couple of years ago. I particularly liked their 5% Nital that allowed me to dilute it down to 4% which in my oppinion delivered the best results.

Polishing thr surface to anything above 2000 grit (3000 in some cases) might be counterprodictive as the metal becomes so mirror-shiny that makes it difficult for the etchant to bite.

3rd January 2020, 07:31 PM	#31
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,911	Ferric chloride seems to be the next best alternative to Nital but 1. it is more difficult to work with as it tends to stain everything... including the sink; 2. the end result shows less contrast than with Nital; 3. it leaves the piece more prone to rust. As with regards to the etchant store, they used to deliver to individuals until a couple of years ago. I particularly liked their 5% Nital that allowed me to dilute it down to 4% which in my oppinion delivered the best results. Polishing thr surface to anything above 2000 grit (3000 in some cases) might be counterprodictive as the metal becomes so mirror-shiny that makes it difficult for the etchant to bite.