Difficulty sourcing ferric chloride

I am having difficulty in locating ferric chloride (for etching
brass plates used in rollerprinting designs in silver) - do you know
where I can find it? Radio Shack stores in Texas use to carry it but
I think they have discontinued the product. Thank you.

I am having difficulty in locating ferric chloride (for etching
brass plates used in rollerprinting designs in silver) - do you
know where I can find it? Radio Shack stores in Texas use to carry
it but I think they have discontinued the product 

You could try a 7% pure salt in distilled water with a 1.5 to 9 Volt
power supply like in this link:

http://www.navaching.com/forge/etching.html

Ellen,

I too have had similar problems sourcing ferric chloride to be used
for relief etching in a community college metals class. My previous
source was Radio Shack as well. They seem more interested in selling
consumer electronic accessories rather than components or materials
these days.

I found what I needed by searching first on eBay and then doing a
google search. I recommend purchasing premixed material rather than
as anhydrous powder or dry lump ferric chloride. The latter might
save some money however I’ve found the inconvenience of mixing the
stuff and time consumed by the task to outweigh the money saved( not
to even mention that you need a full face niosh mask outfitted with
the proper cartridges to do the job safely ). The brand I’m
currently using is from Mg Chemicals. Search with the chemical name
in addition to the manufacturer. The search Mg website with the
chemical name… after the ferric chloride page loads hit the buy
now button and the mg website will load a couple of maps to get you
to the regional distribution level…eventually you’ll find there
are a number of Texas vendors.Visit them in person or order on line
and have it delivered to your door. One such vendor is Mouser
Electronics(mouser.com). I 've not ordered from them as I live in
CA. I was able to order ferric chloride for about 28.00/gal plus
shipping but remember price may vary depending on local material
handling regulations regarding chemicals.

One other thing you should do is read all the jewelry making articles
on ganoksin regarding etching. Pay particular attention to the
Edinburg etch which uses citric acid in addition to ferric chloride.
This simple addition to your ferric chloride will extend echant
reactivity. Citric acid (anhydrous) is available through home brewers
(beer making) suppliers.

Good luck, mike

i purchase it through dick blick art supplies online. i used to get
it at radio shack too and it was so cheap.

http://www.dickblick.com/zz452/03/

i would be interested in hearing if anyone has found it cheaper.

Try The Science Company a sciencecompany.com and put ferric chloride
into your search.

Good luck!
Jennie

search term etch

they still carry store managers lie about it as they dislike
stocking it but you should be able to zip code search out a store and
call asking for the correct item

Teri etch happy

Hello

Yes, you can find ferric chloride at eletronics shops where they
sell electronics components for Amateurs who are studying and doing
electronics projects like Dow electronics

Good Luck
Raffi

Almost any of the electronics suppliers carry it. Buying it in dry
form is cheaper. Try Mouser.com or allelectronics.com…and others.

Try 1lb. Board Etchant

I have purchased from them many times and their service has always
been reliable. They are showing 1 lbs dry concentrate at $14.95 with
a discount if you buy 5 lbs.

Tim
A2Z Corp
A2Z CNC division

Try a Fryes Store They will have it Ellen is in the Dallas area and
is surrounded by them… see: http://tinyurl.com/3phl25

You might find one but they are not everywhere,

jesse

Call Dean at Graphic Chemical at graphicchemical.com

They are suppliers to the art community, specifically
intaglio/etching printmakers. They have ferric chloride. And Dean is
very nice and knowledgable.

Nel

Be aware that when you mix dry ferric chloride powder or lump form
with water you will liberate some hydrogen chloride vapor. Be certain
to wear a respirator rated for acid gas and work outside or in a well
ventilated workstation… After it is mixed the gas is no longer a
problem but while mixing it is evolved.

Jim

@James_Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts

360-756-6550

Try your local electronics store.

Another source is my favorite, http://www.zacryl.com
Also try http://www.artchemicals.com

karen

I think RadioShack has just stopped carrying it everywhere, because I
had the same problem when trying to locate it - the guy didn’t even
know what I was talking about when I asked. I ended up finding it at
a place called Fry’s Electronics - they have a whole section for
people who make their own circuit boards. Try to find a place like
that near you and you should find it, as it is used to etch the
circuit boards.

Jen
http://www.jmwjewelry.com

Check out Electronics Supply places. There are several on-line that
will have these, but often there is also a local source. Ferric
chloride is used to etch circuit boards.

BBR - Sandi Graves
http://www.Beadstorm.com
Saint Paul, Minnesota

I am having difficulty in locating ferric chloride (for etching
brass plates used in rollerprinting designs in silver) - do you
know where I can find it? Radio Shack stores in Texas use to carry
it but I think they have discontinued the product. 

You might try a place that sells supplies to print makers. I buy my
ferric chloride from Daniel Smith in Seattle. They sell art supplies
and ferric chloride for printmaking. They have a catalog although you
may have to pay hazardous fees for shipping.

Shane Miller

I buy this on a regular basis in a 1 gallon plastic bottle from
Fry’s for $19.95.

I cant make enough etched copper and brass bracelets, they sell like
hot cakes.

Love and God Bless
randy

Googling around on the internet I found a recipe for making ferric
chloride. I have not tried it, so can’t guarantee it. I found it on a
site frequented by people who make circuit boards.

The recipe is as follows. Into a plastic pail dump some liquid
muriatic acid. Then dump in a generous handful of nails. Be sure they
are not galvanized. They will dissolve in the muriatic acid. When
they are all dissolved, dump in another handfull. Keep dumping until
the nails will no longer get dissolved. What you have now, is ferric
chloride. Bottle and stopper it, and keep in a dark place.

Caution, Wear goggles and long heavy latex or rubber gloves to
protect your hands and arms from any splashing. Although Ferric
Chloride is relatively safe, treat it as you would any potentially
dangerous chemical.

Alma Rands

Alma,

One consideration in a “home brew” vs a purchased container is that
muriatic acid is really nasty stuff. Purchased ferric chloride
strengths and proportions and safety is all provided for
you in pre bottled liquid or crystalline form. It is easy to track if
something goes wrong and easier to dispose when it is spent. If
anything spilled on anybody or anything, tracking backwards for
responsibility becomes much trickier when it is homemade. The other
part to consider is what happens if the ferric chloride you make
doesn’t work. With a manufacturer, they have quality control which
guarantees that the product they are selling will etch.

The hardest “part” is finding nails which are not galvanized. And
when this is all said and done, is it more economical to do it
yourself.

I’m not saying don’t do it, I’m just saying look at all the options.
Muriatic acid is available at pool supplies.

karen christians
cleverwerx

Radio shack sells ferric chloride etch ant solution in 8 oz bottles
for about 5 dollars…