Cleaning Etched Beads

[cswilson53]

Does anyone have a good way to clean etched beads so all the scum comes off. I have tried several things and on the darker colors it seems really hard to get rid of the etching solution. I use Etch All (liquid) to etch and have tried rinsing the beads in water, dish soap etc but still some scum seems to stay on the beads and looks ugly in photos! Thanks.

[Carolyn M]

I've never had this problem, can you show us a pic of the scum?

[nickandryan]

If it's not too bad, sometimes a toothbrush wil take it off, if it is more stubborn, I have had luck with 0000 steel wool.

Hope this helps- Laura

[Mitosis Glass]

What Laura said. I've had that problem too and scrubbing in soapy water with a good firm toothbrush has been helpful.

[cswilson53]

Here is an old picture with no touchups.

[papimom]

Neutralize these in baking soda until they stop bubbling. Then take extra baking soda and brush with a toothbrush.
Joan

[mtnglass]

I can't tell which pink that is, but Reich. Raspberry is one of the more difficult to clean after etching.

[Lisi]

I didn't read any of the other responses so I will throw mine in anyway:

Extra soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste. Works like a charm.

[Damselfly]

Originally Posted by papimom

Neutralize these in baking soda until they stop bubbling. Then take extra baking soda and brush with a toothbrush.
Joan

This has worked for me in the past. I get that white scum too. it's really annoying and yucky looking.

Originally Posted by Lisi

Extra soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste. Works like a charm.

This can work too, but I think it's the baking soda in a lot of toothpastes these days that actually neutralizes it.

Toothpaste can actually help you polish sterling in a pinch too. But it works better on flat surfaces like pendants, bracelets, earrings and rings, rather than chains.

[beadgoodies]

I use toilet bowl cleaner to clean off that scum. I reuse it by keeping a jar full of it. I put the beads in for 10 mins or so and then strain off the excess into an empty jar to be used again. So, I keep 2 jars, I guess: one's empty and the other full that flip-flop the next time I use it. Works great!!!

Candy

[kissmyglassjackie]

Etch for a little shorter time and they will be easier to clean.

[Truewealth]

As an added courtesy to my customers, after etching a bead, I use a small bristle brush (ceramics tool) to clean out the inside of the bead as well. This will remove any residual etchant.

I also soak and scrub with a toothbrush after etching.