Pawel,
I have used both ImageOn and Puretch for etching silver with nitric
acid. I learned how to etch with ImageOn and liked it but the
formula kept changing. I don’t think ImageOn is available any more.
The newest version is ImageOn Rapid. Both ImageOn and ImageOn Rapid
have to be thinned before they are exposed to light. No big deal but
it is one extra step. I tried Puretch when I could no longer get
ImageOn but it did not hold up in nitric acid. Now I use Zacryl…it
does not have to be thinned…they don’t keep messing with the
formula…and it holds up as a resist in nitric acid. Good luck.
Shane Miller
I have used ImageON and Puretch, but have switched to using PNP
(Press and Peel), as my resist for photo etched pieces. It holds up
well in nitric acid, is easy to obtain, and goes through my portable
Canon photocopier with no problems. True, it is a different process
from that used with Imageon, as it is not exposed to light for the
image. Instead the image is photocopied on the PNP using a laser
copier or printer. Works great for me and I don’t have to worry
about formulas being changed.
Alma Rands
I have used ImageON and Puretch, but have switched to using PNP
(Press and Peel), as my resist for photo etched pieces.
In the spirit if the Tips thread and this one combined–
I have found that if I pre-etch my silver for about a minute in
nitric acid before applying my image (by whatever means), the
resist holds on and resists the acid much more effectively. Just be
sure to rinse well, dry well, don’t touch the surface.
Noel