As a beginner, I am intrigued by all the wonderful surface treatments
I am seeing on silver. I want to experiment with reticulation and
photo etching. While roaming the internet to get an idea of what these
projects are going to cost me, I became bewildered by the variety of
acids out there. Every chemical/lab supply house has several
different strengths of most acids, ranging from what appears to be
pure acid down to 10% solutions and everything in between. I have
three texts that include these techniques. They all say to mix X-parts
of acid with X-parts of water. But, none of them deal with the
strength of the acid starting out. You could get a wide range of
results!!!
So…what strengths/types of sulfuric and nitric acids do you use in
these processes?
Storage and safety tips would also be appreciated.
One last question…do you have recommendations for a good source?
I’m on the East coast - D.C. area. I haven’t hit the bricks looking
for a local chemical supply yet. The last time I did that - looking
for large quantities of lye for a home soap-making business - I was
treated like the Village Idiot. Or Master Criminal, depending on the
supplier. You’d have thought I was asking for a kilo of cocaine.
Thanks for sharing!
Suzette Crim