Muriatic acid etching

[bean]

There is another grade of Muriatic Acid you can use that is less potent but also much less toxic. I think it's just called "safe" muriatic acid. It takes about twice as long to etch but it is so much less toxic smelling it is worth it (to me). Also, I use it with Peroxide in a 1:1 ratio.

If you want more control over how you etch, use an eyedropper to apply the etchant to the surface over the exposed metal only. Let it etch for a few minutes, rinse with water, dab with a paper towel then repeat a few more times. You end up using very little etchant this way and the results are great.