FeCl affects on non ferrous metals

Atlantia · 12th September 2009, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freebooter

Neither would I, I have heard of stories when people have used it on Chinese Jian with the seven star inlay, it has eaten the inlay away. From memory, Josh or Rick some time back recommended that clear nail polish be applied to any any inlay before using it.

Gav

OMG! That would be a bit of an 'oops' moment!

Battara · 12th September 2009, 08:24 PM

This also depends on the strength of the acid. If dlluted say by half, then the damage is controlled. I have etched by half strength before and less, and it has not eaten into the brass or silver. Mind you, it was not on long at all.

ariel · 13th September 2009, 04:12 AM

Sounds like a good way to age brass things artificially.

G. McCormack · 13th September 2009, 10:24 PM

Dont forget, it will dissolve things into its own solution. So if you have an etchant tank of FeCl you use for blades, then use it for a copper article, don't be surprised when the next blade you etch comes out lightly plated in copper.

Battara · 13th September 2009, 11:54 PM

And for that reason you use other acids to age brass......

12th September 2009, 08:24 PM	#2
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	This also depends on the strength of the acid. If dlluted say by half, then the damage is controlled. I have etched by half strength before and less, and it has not eaten into the brass or silver. Mind you, it was not on long at all.

13th September 2009, 04:12 AM	#3
ariel Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5,503	Sounds like a good way to age brass things artificially.

13th September 2009, 10:24 PM	#4
G. McCormack Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 131	Dont forget, it will dissolve things into its own solution. So if you have an etchant tank of FeCl you use for blades, then use it for a copper article, don't be surprised when the next blade you etch comes out lightly plated in copper.

13th September 2009, 11:54 PM	#5
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,280	And for that reason you use other acids to age brass......