Etching Question
 

Anybody have a good source for some etching solution? I really want the old kind - can't remember the name (maybe EtchAll?) - but it was clear, looked like water, that got a little cloudy with use. All I seem to find now is a thicker muddy brown looking substance that doesn't give anything like the great etching surface the old stuff did. Thanks for any assistance.

The only etching solution I've used that is close to clear is the etching crystals from Arrow Springs. It comes dry and you mix it with hot or boiling water, and it's sort of clear once mixed. Is that what you're thinking of? The different etch-all solutions I've used are as you described, sort of brownish.

Mimi

There is dip n etch which is slightly clear on first use and slowly turns murky brown after using it a few times.

Jack Frost was the best old school one, but has not been sold to the general public in the last 20 years... Because of it's strength.

My dip-n-etch was yellowy clear to start with, now cola coloured. Possibly you've been seeing bottles that have been sitting around for a while?

I am not sure if it was sat around but it was definitely clear, and it got shaken up too when zi poured it into a different container...I only bought it about three weeks ago.

Bearyboo - sooooo where'd you get it and what's it called???

Arrow springs has a great etching suction. It's shipped in crystal form and you add hot water to it. (In a well ventilated area.) it works so good!!! I do suggest making 1/2 the solution vs a whole batch so you have some room in the container to put your beads. Other than that I love it. And it's a good price. Lasts a really long time. Perfect etch every time

In addition to what AS sells, I have had great results from Vari-Etch from HIS Glassworks. Jeri

I always get the etchall from Frantz, it seems to be the same stuff I had 10 years ago. It always turns yellow then brown after a while but continues to work fine.

I use the Etch-All from Frantz too. It's almost clear when it's new then turns brown the more you use it.