How to remove PNP blue?

How do you remove PNP blue from a metal sheet after etching? The
mineral spirits I’m using to take off the asphaltum aren’t budging
the PNP.

Thanks!

Probably shouldn’t, and I’m sure someone else must have a better
idea, but I just burn it off with the torch…in a very well
ventilated area I might add!

Kimmyg :slight_smile:

Hi -

We talked about this just a few weeks ago when I asked the same
question!

I use nail polish remover - acetone, essentially - but if the PNP
blue is really cooked on there, it takes some scrubbing.

When I queried the list, Karen Christians suggested lacquer thinner.
She’s the expert, so I believe her and intend to try it for my next
round of etching.

Linda

Paint thinner, acetone, or steel wool under running warm water.

Thank you, Bill, Deborah & Michele
Reactive Metals Studio, Inc.
800/876-3434

How do you remove PNP blue from a metal sheet after etching?

I take the piece outside and use acetone with plastic gloves and an
old toothbrush. I put the piece on newspaper and pour enough acetone
to cover the surface and let it sit for a few minutes. The
toothbrush helps remove the PnP.

Donna in VA

Hi All,

The way that I remove the PnP is after I have achieved all the etch
that I want, I rinse the plate in running water to remove any
chemicals and then place it in a covered container containing
household lemon ammonia. It works!!! Please make sure that the
container has a tight fitting lid so the fumes remain inside the
container.

I let it sit for a while until I see the film lifting, and then
scrub well with a sponge or stiff nylon brush and use some fine
pumice powder to make sure all the PnP is removed. It may take some
time to soak, but it is very efficient and I am doing something else
while it is in the ammonia bath. Takes off all the PnP with very
little effort on my part.

Beth Katz
Unique Solutions, Inc.
Paste Solder and Powder Solder for Jewelers and Metalsmiths
www.myuniquesolutions.com

The way that I remove the PnP is [snip] household lemon ammonia.
It works!!! 

Thanks, Beth! Now, the question for you toxicologists out there-- I
have always used (and recommended on this forum) lacquer thinner,
but have been told it is very hazardous to health. So-- it ammonia
better? I know it is covered during use, but some will inevitably
escape. Is it safer to breath than lacquer thinner, assuming similar
exposure?

–Noel