Etching sterling using PnP Blue

Jewelry Discussion
1

Alma,

Neither the Xerox on transparency nor the PnP Blue will hold up
to nitric - we tried it and it just gets eaten away. However,
they should hold up to the salt version that works on silver
(ferric nitrate)and is available in crystaline form from
photography supply houses.

Donna in WY

2

Donna - could you tell us what the mixture ratio is for ferric
nitrate to water - thanks Nancy

3

Interesting note on PnP not holding up to nitric. I have had
good luck with PnP and nitric but I do touch up very thin lines
of PnP resist with Testor’s enamel and an extremely fine sable
brush. I use reagent grade nitric mixed with water - 2 parts
water to 1 part nitric, and with a feather I brush bubbles gently
away every time they form. Maybe the testor’s saves the day but
I have been very happy with the process and the results I have
gotten. Hope my process helps someone. Shael

4

I don’t know the mixture ratio, but I was told to mix the ferric
nitrate with enough water to look like strong coffee. This
worked out very well. Just like in nitric, I found that I had to
touch up very fine lines with an enamel paint pen or a sharpie.

5 
I don't know the mixture ratio, but I was told to mix the ferric
nitrate with enough water to look like strong coffee.  This
worked out very well.  Just like in nitric, I found that I had to
touch up very fine lines with an enamel paint pen or a sharpie.

Vicki: I went to the local photo shop and they never heard of
ferric nitrate. Any ideas where to get it and is it cheaper than
nitric acid and is it subject to hazardous materials shipping?
Does it etch as good as nitric acid? Dave

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6

Try Bryant Labs in Berkeley, CA. The number is (510) 526 - 3141. I think
hazardous materials shipping restrictions do apply but they can tell you
more specifically. Shael

7

I believe you are confused with the chemical “ferric chloride” which is
an etchant used in the electronics industry for cleaning excess copper
deposits from computer boards. As far as I know it only works on copper
and brass full strength. You can get it at Radio Shack for about $5.

8 
   Vicki: I went to the local photo shop and they never heard of ferric
nitrate. Any ideas where to get it and is it cheaper than nitric acid and
is it subject to hazardous materials shipping? Does it etch as good as
nitric acid?

You can buy a ferric nitrate at Radio Shack for this process. They use it
to etch circuit boards I think. I cannot remember what it is named, but
you can find it without difficulty. It is not expensive. I have found
that the strength as they sell it is a little strong, but I have not tried
diluting it. Rio also sells a product that works with the PNP, but is
subject to harardous shipping charges. Hope this helps.

Liz McKay

9 
I believe you are confused with the chemical "ferric chloride" which is
an etchant used in the electronics industry for cleaning excess copper
deposits from computer boards.

Marianne & Grant Holden,

Right, ferric chloride works only on copper, ferric nitrate is the
equivalent which works on silver and neither are acids so are a bit gentler
environmentally. PnP will hold up well to both.

Donna in WY

10

ferric chloride is for copper 9 comes in liquid form)- ferric nitrate
(powder) is for silver and can be found at most chemical supply stores -
Cosco in Denver

11

Radio Shack sells ferric CHLORIDE which is used for etching copper.
Bryant Laboratories in Berkeley CA sells ferric NITRATE which is used for
etching silver. A hazardous shipping charge of $12 is added to the regular
shipping charge. Bryant Lab’s phone #: 1-800-367-3141

12

There seems to be some confusion here about Ferric chloride vs. ferric
nitrate. Ferric Chloride can be found at Radio Shack but will only etch
brass and copper. It is a salt and does get used for cleaning circuit
boards. Some folks use ferric NITRATE vs. nitric acid for etching silver.
If you want to etch silver with either, contact Bryant Labs in Berkeley. I
recently posted their phone number here but if you need it again, contact
me offline Shael @shael_barger