Vilella's Etchant
Vilella's Reagent
Specialty
Composition
1g Picric Acid, 5ml HCl, 100ml Ethanol
Mixed
Method
Immersion
Time
10s
Alternative Names
Tags
Reveals
Carbides, martensite, grain boundaries
Typical Results
Excellent for tool steels and high-speed steels. Reveals carbides clearly.
Color Effects
Carbides dark, matrix light
Compatible Materials
Incompatible Materials
Application Method
Method:immersion
Typical Time:10 seconds
Preparation Notes
Dissolve 1g picric acid in 5ml HCl, then add 100ml ethanol. CAUTION: Picric acid is explosive when dry.
Application Notes
Immerse sample for 10-20 seconds. Rinse with ethanol then water.
Troubleshooting
Keep picric acid wet. Never allow to dry. Use fresh solution.
Storage Notes
Store in dark bottle, keep wet. Extremely hazardous when dry.
Alternative Etchants
- 4% Picral
- Nital
Similar Etchants
- 4% Picral