Liquid etching solution
 

Does anyone know where I can buy etching liquid? Not the cream that's called Etch-all, but real liquid. I was in a class once where they used it, and I thought it did a better job than the cream, but I've never been able to find it. Thanks!

This was my post on Facebook's Lampwork Beadmaking Tips, Techniques and Questions.

I found some etching powder that you just add really hot water to and it works the same (for me) as Etch-All. It comes in a quart size bottle for only $27 plus shipping. Before reconstituting, I put half the powder in a ziplock bag to save for later, and only made a half quart, because you can add more later (when it doesn't work as well) to refresh it. When etching, I string my beads onto fishing line, and put some expendable small bicone crystal beads in between each one, so they don't touch. I tie the line in a knot to make a long loop, and dunk it in there, closing the lid with part of the loop hanging out for mess free retrieval. I give the bottle a few little shakes during the etching time to keep non-etched spots from happening. (Not necessary if you don't overload it like I do...) Then remove the lid, grab the string, and dunk into your baking soda and water bath.

Here's where I get it:

http://www.hisglassworks.com/shop/et...wder-html.html

http://www.mountainglass.com/Etch-Al...0#.V1tbPZK9LCQ

I have this, and it's a liquid, not cream.

Thank you so much. I am going to order the liquid from Mountain glass, but I will keep the powder in mind too. Appreciate you taking the time to answer.

I remember trashing a kitchen sink trying to remove some rust stains by using something called "Whisk" or maybe it was "Wink".

Took the shinny surface right off the whole bottom of the porcelain sink.

If you try this stuff on beads don't wait very long to pull them out and rinse thoroughly.

This stuff acted pretty fast.

I purchased Etching liquid at AC Moore some years ago.

some (most?) of these are weak hydrofluoric acid. Nasty stuff, see the precautions. http://www.hisglassworks.com/learn/e...der-and-cream/

I think Arrow springs used to carry it.

This. I like it so much I bought two more large bottles as backup.

You just add hot water to the cannister and it's ready to go. Eventually the liquid turns black, but it still works great, beads etch all soft and silky.

I've tried them all, and this is the only one I'll ever use:

http://arrowsprings.com/html/etching.html