Ferric chloride formula

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi all, I need to make a large batch of ferric chloride to etch some
copper tiles. Does anyone know the formula? I have a chemist who
will mix it for me but I need to know what and how much to have him
order.

Thanks, Deb Karash (in Illinois where we are about to have 10 inches
of snow!)

2

Hi Deb Tell the friend to mix it to a density that measures Baume on
a hydrometer (this is the solution printmakers use and my supplier
gives me the mixture he gives a local university printmaking dept).
Or you can tell him you want a 67% solution. He should also be aware
that when you mix ferric chloride and water there is an exothermic
reaction (gives off heat) and it should be done under a ventilation
hood. Ferric chloride is relatively benign as an etchant, but is most
dangerous at the mixing stage.

I have been teaching etching with Ferric chloride for several years
and have some notes on procedures and safety on my website if you are
interested: Http://www.makersgallery.com/etch.html

Good luck with it Sandra In Owen Sound Canada with piles of snow by
the driveway higher than the van roof

3 
    Hi Deb Tell the friend to mix it to a density that measures
Baume on a hydrometer (this is the solution printmakers use and my
supplier gives me the mixture he gives a local university
printmaking dept).

So, how many degrees Baume should it read?

    Or you can tell him you want a 67% solution.

67% by weight, or by volume?

margaret

4

Hi Sandra - I just started experimenting with Ferric Chloride as an
etchant and I’d love to see your notes, etc, but the link doesn’t
work for me.

Thanks,
Linda

5

You might check out some articles I wrote for Lapidary Journal on
etching with ferric chloride. It might be what you need, especially
the latter of the two articles, since it’s concerned with adjusting
your solution to get the best results (using Baume’ readings).

Low-Tech Metal Etching, June 1998; Low-Tech Metal Etching, Part 2,
July 1998; Transferring Etched Designs, March 1999. Download articles
for a small reprint fee (no, I don’t get royalties from it) from
http://www.lapidaryjournal.com

Katherine Palochak

6 
Hi Deb Tell the friend to mix it to a density that measures Baume
on a hydrometer (this is the solution printmakers use and my
supplier gives me the mixture he gives a local university
printmaking dept).

Somehow the Baume measurement didn’t get on the email. That should
read “42 degrees Baume”. Hope that helps. Sandra