Etching Problem

[Duncan Tipton]

Hi KnifeDogs,

I am having a problem etching my mark. I have the personalizer etcher it only has etch (DC) and Mark (AC) modes. When I use etch mode to get a bit of depth to my etch, and then switch it to mark mode, the black oxides tend to wash out of the etch. If I use mark mode only I get a beautiful etch and the oxides seen to be fixed pretty well, but I am worried about the etch wearing away because it is so shallow. Do you folks have any advice?

Thanks for your time and knowlege, Duncan TIpton

 

[HELLGAP]

duncan alot of the time poor etches are a result of poor stencils. Get Ernie grospich to make you a batch for 30 bucks plus shipping you will never look back . My first stencil is still just that and ive marked 75 knives now. Crisp clean and very detailed stencil marks. The solution your using may be a little off as well . I do three short blasts in 7 to 8 second intervals they come out dark and deep. kellyw

 

[Ernie Swanson]

If you etch pad is to wet it will wash out the black so it is not as dark.

I dont know what you are using for a pad and solution.

I use a q-tip and salt water to do mine.

If you have not tried already, wet the pad and then pat on a paper towel so it is damp. hold down for a few seconds then lift up repeat a few time then turn to ac. do the same. That should give you a good deep dark etch.