I am trying find the proper method to obtain photo quality acid etchings on stainless steel. I've included an example of what I would like to achieve.
This was acid etched on 304 stainless
Joe
It's possible to etch 304 with ferric chloride, masking with KPR (Kodak photoresist) just about like with copper printed circuit photofabrication. I vaguely recollect the photoresist had to be baked after application (it didn't adhere well otherwise).
responding to
You probably need to screen it, like a halftone photo in a magazine.
Joe Gwinn
I have never managed a decent etch with Ferric Chloride on stainless. It works on mild steel but slowly and the etch is shallow compared with copper and brass.
Electro-etching is a possibility in but given the nature of the image the details of the process will be critical. I have never done half-tones that way.
Michael Koblic, Campbell River, BC
I'd say ill advised. Can you tell me you have a coating of Fe ? I hope not. It would rust.
Is the layer all Ni ? - likely not enough and magnetic.
Is the layer all Chrome ? more likely with pitting of localized Fe - needing to be neutralized with Citrus or Nitric.
Stainless is a complex steel. I'd etch with grit and resist.
Mart> resp> is it possible to achieve the various shades of black and gray to etch a
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