Etching a folder question

[Justin Presson]

Hey guys, going to try and finish my first folder soon a friction folder. Steel is O1 and I want to etch black and stonewash it possibly, do I need to mask off the pivot or washer area with nail polish or does it not matter?
Thanks

 

[mike miller]

I would cover it not only the washer area and pivot but also the bearing surface of the tang where the spring rides.