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Electrolite for electro-etching Sterling Silver

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Hi...

I would like to electro-etch sterling and fine silver. In the past I have etch the regular way but didn't like the undercuts so we built an electro-etcher with instructions from a knife making site. Since they are etching steel, I need to find a different electrolyte to use with the silver.

Someone suggested phosphorus but I'm not sure how to buy or use this. I tried Coke and I tried salt. I'd like to use something that is as safe as possible but will still give a good etch. Do you have any suggestions?

Judith Bastien
jewelry maker - Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

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You can use 5% silver nitrate solution(add few drops nitric acid), or very diluted nitric acid.

Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Zagreb, Croatia

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