Problems with etching wootz

[RhysMichael]

Originally Posted by AJ1356

The Windex I used say it has ammonia-D, I used the same process with 2 other knives one wootz and one not, with those the result was normal. I guess my next step if using Brasso or something to try and polish it.

This will sound strange as the name says ammonia-D but windex with ammonia D does not seem to contain much if any ammonia. Welcome to marketing and trade names. Ingredients listed are Water, Isopropanol and Ethyleneglycol Monohexylether. It is still possible it has some aqueous ammonia ( ammonium hydroxide) as 29CFR1910.1200 the hazcom standard, pre GHS, did not require ingredients less than 1% to be listed ( 0.1% for a carcinogen) . But it would not be much. Still a pH that is alkaline 10.5 - 11.5 so it would neutralize an acid but if it is a weak base the reaction would be slow and that may cause problems as a stop bath.

MSDS here
http://www.btps.ca/files/PDF/MSDS/Windex_Ammonia-D.pdf

Even the "superconcentrated" only has 0.1 to 1.5%

http://www.centralstatesbus.com/MSDS...oncentrate.pdf
No idea why it worked before and did not now unless the etching acid was a lower concentration before and the alkaline in the windex was enough to neutralize the lower concentration acid. Still just a guess.

[archer]

Hi, A second etching victim this one is again low contrast. Etching produced the blackish areas probably where this extremely thin blade was tempered for strength. This is second or third etch per each side. At first it came out very crystalline looking. I cheated and besides the polishing compound used the well worn 1500 and 2500 sand paper used initially to polish the rusty blade. Go slow without to much pressure. You might give us some photos, good luck. Steve

Any future etching will be with a more diluted etch.