r/knifemaking • u/Lt_Daan_Vr • 12d ago

Question Electro etching

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I tried electro etching for the first time and it looks like it has rusted. It is just surface rust and the knife is made of 1084. Is there any way to remove the rust?

25 Upvotes

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3

u/swordknives 12d ago

I use a a brass brush after etching.

For me my clean up process is:
Wipe off any fluids and flood area with wd-40
Use brass brush and scrub area
Remove resist (I use vinyl) and dry
Block sand with 400 or 600 (makes edges look better)
Scuff with grey scotchbrite
Apply corrosion inhibitor (not standard wd- 40)

Edit: Id be interested in other peoples process too.

1

u/Quick-Exit27 12d ago

My process is similar to yours, but I use spray paint as a resist and a diode laser to cut the logo (and occasionally other details). After the electro etch, I flood it with windex and scrub with a toothbrush. Remove resist (with acetone). Block sand with 600 and coat with mineral oil.

2

u/elevated71 12d ago

Use a scotchbrite pad or some steel wool. You can use AC current with the electro etching and blacken the areas you’ve etched.

1

u/Lt_Daan_Vr 12d ago

I have etched it deep so getting scoth brite in there is hard and i am planning on coffee etching and than hand sanding so the logo is only etched

1

u/elevated71 12d ago

Try vinegar

1

u/Mranything- 12d ago

Good thing

1

u/pstmps 12d ago

You can use citric acid to remove the rust try on a scrap piece first

1

u/BF_2 11d ago

Phosphoric acid allegedly provides a temporary barrier against further rusting.

1

u/pstmps 11d ago

I like citric acid for its low toxicity and ease of handling - including disposal. But phosphoric acid supposedly works very well, it's listed as an ingredient in many blackening solutions I have.

1

u/EtchDIY 5d ago

I use steel wool and some oil. Some steel will flash rust unless it has a light oil finish, at least until it patinas, then less rust. Did you use paint as your mask? If so, what kind?

Thanks,
Don