CAUTION: Safety is very important when etching. Be sure to wear the appropriate protective clothing and observe all WARNINGS on chemical manufacuters MSDS. Also review COMMENTS Section for each etchant.

The following table lists the most commonly used etchants. For additional material specific etchants, click on the following link.

Etchant	Composition	Conc.	Conditions	Comments
Kellers Etch	Distilled water Nitric acid Hydrochloric acid Hydrofluoric acid	190 ml 5 ml 3 ml 2 ml	10-30 second immersion. Use only fresh etchant
Kroll’s Reagent	Distilled water Nitric acid Hydrofluoric acid	92 ml 6 ml 2 ml	15 seconds
Nital	Ethanol Nitric acid	100 ml 1-10 ml	Seconds to minutes
Picral	Ethanol Picric acid	100 ml 2-4 grams	Seconds to minutes	Do not let etchant crystallize or dry –explosive
Vilella’s Reagent	Glycerol Nitric acid Hydrochloric acid	45 ml 15 ml 30 ml	Seconds to minutes

CAUTION: Safety is very important when etching. Be sure to wear the appropriate protective clothing and observe all WARNINGS on chemical manufacturers MSDS. Also review COMMENTS Section for each etchant.

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