How to Acid Etch Steel

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Choose the type of steel you want to etch.

   You can etch stainless steel, mild steel, or high-carbon steel.
   
   Which type of steel you etch will determine the best acid or chemical to use to etch it with.
2. 2

   Step 2: Remove any burrs on the edges of the steel.

   File away any burrs on the side of the steel you plan to etch with acid.
   
   You can leave the burrs on the other side if you're etching a steel plate. , Use a chlorine cleanser on an abrasive sponge, a wire brush, fine steel wool, wet number 600 emery paper, or corundum paper, scrubbing in a circular motion.
   
   You want to leave the surface just gritty enough to grip the resist material, but not so scratched that you end up etching extra lines that aren't part of your design. , The water should sheet off the steel surface. ,
3. 3

   Step 3: Scrub the steel.

4. 4

   Step 4: Rinse the steel with water.

5. 5

   Step 5: Clean the steel a second time with isopropyl alcohol.

Detailed Guide

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