Getting a gross etch... any ideas?

[kabsconcepts]

Hey Gang!

One of the reasons I don't often etch things is I get this nastiness on my beads.

http://www.kabsconcepts.com/images/badetch.jpg

Any ideas why this is happening? I use a liquid dip-n-etch and the beads are in the liquid for 5-6mins. I then throughly rinse and wash the beads. With in minutes they get like the photo above.

HELP!!! What is going on with my etching!?!?!

[loco]

You need to neutralize the acid. I soak etched beads in Milk for about 5 to 10 minutes then scrub the heck outta them with dish soap.

[RSimmons]

Try using a baking soda solution for a few minutes to neutralize the acid. Put the solution down the drain behind your rinse water, too.

Robert

[evilglass]

Scrub 'em with a toothbrush after neutralizing them, it does wonders :)

[xiola blue]

I once put a lot of beads into a plastic bag. Some were baking soda beads and they had a little residue on them from the soda. When I took all the beads out I discovered some of the other beads had been "etched" by the baking soda. So if you have some of those beads, soak them in vinegar for a while to neutralize the soda; and when you put your etched beads into a baking soda solution to neutralize the acid, be sure to scrub them well with a toothbrush and detergent afterwards, especially in the crevices along lines of raised stringer to get rid of the baking soda residue. xiola

[elle]

How long are you leaving them in the etching solution? My maximum soak time is 7 minutes, and they come out clean with a nice soft etch.

[kabsconcepts]

Thanks everyone. I think it was the neutralizing thing. I gave them a milk bath and a little scrub with a toothbrush... it did wonders for them.

Sarah, they were only in the solution 5-6 mins. I set a timer. I used to think I had to keep them in for 15min like the bottle says, but I learned that lesson!