[Jewelry making - Article 00898] - Re: [Orchid] Inconsistent Etching Results

[Katherine Palochak]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

>     So, my questions are: is my solution simply spent? 

    To some degree, probably yes. Addition of a little more nitric acid
    will help to refresh it. Also decant the liquid from the settled
    sludge (carefully!) so the sludge will not interfere with your
    etching results. 

>     Does the temperature make a difference? 

    Yes, temp does make a difference, but do not make the mistake of
    heating up the solution. Over 125 degrees F., and you will start
    outgassing, possibly overcoming a noncommercial venting environment.
    It's best to go slower anyway to obtain a more even etch without
    undercutting. 

>     And last, about PNP Blue: I've finally figured out the right
>     setting on the iron and the right length of time to iron it on so
>     that the resist stays on and doesn't get lifted off by the acid,
>     but I have been having a helluva time getting it off after etching. 

    MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) works best chemically, but do you really
    want to use that? Best is to remove it by abrasion, either a piece
    of plexiglass or those foam bars used for finishing fingernails, and
    then just polish afterwards. 

    I'm a big proponent of using the least toxic and caustic methods
    possible. Nitric acid is not for home studios, and should only be
    used by those trained in chemical lab procedures and have a full
    setup for containment and safety (eye wash station, dump shower,
    closed disposal system). Switch to ferric nitrate, and you'll be glad
    you did. Besides being more controllable, less caustic, you will have
    better results with cleaner etch and a deeper etch, although
    considerably slower.

____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________