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What to use to etch copper, brass or base metal

I am trying to etch Metals such as copper, brass or base metal. I am trying to etch old plumbing parts using stickers as a template. I know NOTHING about chemicals or such. WIll glass etching solution work? I also wondered if there were something less expensive.

Patti Meadows
Herbal Blessings - Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
2005

There is an easier way, high carbon steel stamps. They are commercially available for about 40-50 dollars, and all you need is a hammer and a hard floor. This takes all the harmful acids out of the mix, just stamp towards the inside of the pipe as it will dent the pipe a bit, but it will work fine.

Marc Banks
- Elizabeth City, North Carolina
2005

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To etch your plumbing parts you can use battery acid [affil links]. It's a 30 t0 40% solution which you can add water too for a more dilute mix. Cost $6.00 Rinse well after use. Use a non metallic dip tank also, wear rubber gloves [on eBay or Amazon] and apron [on eBay or Amazon] .

Be careful and good luck -- Fred.

Fred Read
- Duluth, MN, USA
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