Etch liquid

Woonasty · #1 2024-06-30, 1:01am

Does anyone have any etching liquid recommendations? The best I can find online are etchall from frantz and etchbath on Amazon, both are a little over 50 bucks for 16oz.

Thats a bit more than i would like to spend. My two local craft stores only sell cream, which I assume would not work for beads.

Unless anyone has found a way to do that..

I've never etched before, but from what I've seen online you would want liquid to just set the beads in for a while.

So if anyone knows of a good source for this stuff let me know, I would prefer not to spend 50 bucks, as I'm just trying to test it out and would be fine with a smaller bottle to start with. Thanks!

KJohn · #2 2024-06-30, 2:36am

yep that's pretty much what it costs. I get mine on Amazon these days, usually the best price. It does last a long time though. I will say to get some fishing line (clear nylon type thread) that doesn't absorb liquids and use that for dipping. I wasted so much for the first year or three using twine.

Amazon has the smaller bottles as well. You could also check out arrowsprings. They have etching crystals that you dissolve in hot water like bath salts and use that. It does last a while too, and is cheaper but I found it a bit harder to use. So you might not want to start with it.

Also a tumbler is a great (and environmentally friendly) option! There are some good threads here about what kind of tumbling media to use, and it seems everyone has their own preference. But a little silicon carbide and a drop or two of regular dawn and the tumbling medium of your choosing and you are good to go. It just takes longer but the etch is really nice. I liked to use stainless steel shot with mine. I wish I had saved it when i moved. It costs a small fortune now.

Woonasty · #3 2024-06-30, 2:57am

Well I just climbed up a mountain of garage hoard to find an old rock tumbler I knew was back there somewhere.

It's got 60, 150, 600, and 1200 silicone carbide. What do you use?

Nevermind, stupid thing doesnt work. Just gives me an "E" error, which is apparently a super common issue from what ive found on google. Just gonna buy the liquid. >.>

echeveria · #4 2024-06-30, 8:23am

I have used both the cream and the liquid, prefer the liquid. I keep it for years and reuse it. I put it in a wide mouth container (some kind of plastic food storage thing with a screw on lid that fits tightly.) I also use fishing wire, dip the beads in, and then dunk them in a bath of milk when I take them out, rinse, inspect. I also tumble etch, but that takes a while. I use 2000 grit and pony beads. Anyway, I have had the same etchant for about 15 years.

KJohn · #5 2024-06-30, 1:28pm

milk?? I've never heard of that, I mix hot water with baking soda and it's a PITA. does it matter what kind of milk?

echeveria · #6 2024-06-30, 2:43pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJohn

milk?? I've never heard of that, I mix hot water with baking soda and it's a PITA. does it matter what kind of milk?

I don't think so. I can't remember where I heard to do that.