3% Nitric AcidNital 3%
3% Nital
General Purpose
Composition
3% Nitric Acid in Ethanol
3%
Method
Immersion
Time
10s
Alternative Names
Tags
Reveals
Grain boundaries, ferrite, pearlite, bainite
Typical Results
Similar to 2% Nital but more aggressive. Better for harder steels and bainitic structures.
Color Effects
Pearlite darkens more, ferrite remains light
Compatible Materials
Incompatible Materials
Application Method
Method:immersion
Typical Time:10 seconds
Preparation Notes
Mix 3 ml concentrated nitric acid (HNO₃) with 97 ml ethanol. Add acid to ethanol slowly with stirring.
Application Notes
Immerse sample for 10-20 seconds. More aggressive than 2% Nital. Rinse with ethanol then water.
Troubleshooting
Use for harder steels that don't respond well to 2% Nital. Reduce time if over-etching occurs.
Storage Notes
Store in dark glass bottle. Shelf life: 3-6 months.
Alternative Etchants
- 2% Nital
- 4% Picral
Similar Etchants
- 2% Nital
- 4% Nital
- 5% Nital