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How To Etch Damascus Steel

May 11, 2017 by Jesse Harber 45 Comments

Home » General » How To Etch Damascus Steel

How to Etch Stainless Damascus from Vegas Forge

By taking your time and learning how to etch stainless Damascus and carbon Damascus steel properly, you’ll avoid problems like spots in your finished product.

Be sure to always wear the appropriate protective gear when you’re working with acid. Complete etches in a well ventilated space and wear gloves, eye protection, and an apron or old clothes.

Damascus etching is completed with either ferric chloride or muriatic acid. Before you begin, check the expiration date on your acid of choice to be sure that it’s not too old. Using expired acid causes problems with your etch, and you don’t want to find out after you’ve already started that your acid is too old to work properly.

You’ll also need a baking soda bath. Mix baking soda with distilled water, using a generous amount of baking soda, so you can dip your piece to neutralize the acid and stop its dissolving action.

Once you’ve got everything prepared, you’re ready to etch!

A knife made with Typhoon Damascus from Vegas Forge
Etching helps produce these striking contrasting colors.

How to Etch Stainless and Carbon Damascus Steel

Step 1: Sanding

Bring your Damascus to a 400 to 600 grit finish. If you’re using muriatic acid, you can bring the Damascus up to 1200 grit, or you can leave it at 400 grit. Either is effective. For ferric acid, keep the grit between 400 and 600.

Do not buff before etching! Buffing closes the pores in the metal, which will keep the acid from absorbing, and you’ll end up with an uneven etch.

Step 2: Washing

To etch Damascus, it should be perfectly clean. Thoroughly wash your piece with alcohol and pat it dry with a clean rag.

Avoid using materials like acetone because they leave residue behind that interferes with the etch, and don’t touch the metal with your hands. Acid penetrates correctly on a very clean surface.

Step 3: Dilution

If you’re using ferric acid, dilute it with distilled water until you have pretty close to a 50/50 ratio of acid to water. Never use tap water, spring water, or filtered water – they will all cause problems with the etc. Be sure that your distilled water hasn’t been sitting for more than a year.

Muriatic acid needs no dilution.

Step 4: Warming the acid

For both muriatic acid and ferric chloride, the temperature should be between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, about room temperature.

If you need to warm your acid for use, the best method is to place your container of acid into a large bowl of warm water. Never put acid in the microwave!

Step 5: Submersion

Hang your damascus piece in the container of acid so that it hangs freely and doesn’t touch the sides or bottom of the container.

To ensure that the acid penetrates, you can swish the piece back and forth in the acid, but brushing is the best way to be sure you get an even etch. Using an old toothbrush, softly brush the Damascus in the acid to help remove any residual oil or grease that you might have missed during cleaning, and to brush away the dissolving material as the acid does its job.

Let your piece remain in the acid for 10 to 15 minutes.

Step 6: Neutralization

Remove your Damascus piece from the acid and dip it into your baking soda bath for 5 minutes to neutralize the acid.

You can also use Windex for this step, but don’t try to spray your piece. Pour the windex into a container deep enough that you can completely submerge your Damascus item.

After 5 minutes, clean your piece with alcohol and pat dry with a clean rag. You can repeat steps 5 and 6 for a deeper etch if you desire.

If you have masked part of your piece so that it doesn’t etch, and you want to do another round in the acid and baking soda, completely remove the mask, clean the blade, and then reapply your mask before the second etch. Skipping this step is not advisable, even if your masking still looks good, because the acid can penetrate the second time around and ruin your design.

Step 7: Polishing

With stainless Damascus, one of the layers within the steel isn’t affected by the etch, which is what gives stainless Damascus that unique texture when it’s finished. Use a fine finishing sandpaper to gently buff the top of that slightly raised steel, and the other steel will remain dark and unpolished, giving you a beautiful and dramatic contrast.

If you prefer, you can polish with a 2000 grit buffing compound and a soft wheel to brighten your Damascus piece, but you’ll lose some of that contrast between the steel layers. Play with both this technique and the sandpaper to see which you prefer. If you decide you want to recover some of your contrast, you can do a quick etch again by dipping your cleaned piece into the acid for a few minutes and then neutralizing with baking soda.

Some makers like to soak finished pieces in WD-40 to get an even darker contrast. This fades with use, but it does produce a striking visual contrast, and it’s great to prepare your pieces for photos.

Filed Under: General

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatar for JAMES GOUDEAUJAMES GOUDEAU says

    January 25, 2018 at 2:38 pm

    I had made some scratch marks on the blade that needed to be sanded out. I also wanted a more detailed look of my pattern. I am not complete with the sanding yet. Took awhile to get all i needed. I live 30 miles from town so it took alot of my day. My knife has a rain drop pattern and want it to pop. When i am completed i’ll write back and if i can send you a pic. Thank you so much for your very needed expert advice. James A. Goudeau

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jesse HarberJesse Harber says

      October 22, 2018 at 11:10 pm

      Did you get it figured out how you wanted?

      Reply
  2. Avatar for Rodney Keith RichterRodney Keith Richter says

    January 3, 2019 at 6:10 pm

    I’m just beginning….. Thank you very much for the excellent article!

    What do you use to mask? Masking tape? Sounds like a dumb question, but I don’t know.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jesse HarberJesse Harber says

      January 6, 2019 at 4:41 am

      What we use is nail polish

      Reply
      • Avatar for JerryJerry says

        June 7, 2019 at 6:23 pm

        What about masking other materials like buffalo horn or turquoise and fiber spacers that are epoxied together in the handle? I have a multi media handle assembled using horn, turquoise, and camel bone spacers along with fiber and brass sheets as thinner spacers. These are stacked and epoxied together into one handle and have a Damascus guard at one end and a Damascus endcap or pommel. I would like to re etch these pieces after the sanding and shaping process but of course need to mask off the other handle materials with something that can be removed without harming the other materials.

        Reply
  3. Avatar for Ron YatesRon Yates says

    January 5, 2019 at 10:54 pm

    I have a question – suppose there is part of the damascus steel you do NOT want etched? Say on a ring, you may not want the underneath side to be etched, so the stamp is not altered and is easily visible. Is there a coating that you can apply to the inside of the damascus ring to prevent that part from becoming etched?

    Thanks!
    Ron

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jesse HarberJesse Harber says

      January 6, 2019 at 4:40 am

      Hi Ron,
      You can use nail polish for that.

      Reply
      • Avatar for Ron YatesRon Yates says

        January 9, 2019 at 12:34 am

        Thanks so much Jesse! I sent you an email also, please let me know if you did not receive it. Great work!

        Reply
  4. Avatar for Tim PedroTim Pedro says

    January 19, 2019 at 6:54 pm

    I bought a Damascus Chefs knife that wasn’t etched. To see the patterns I have to look hard. Being it was already finished, can it still be etched if I do it myself?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jeff BaileyJeff Bailey says

      February 4, 2019 at 8:56 pm

      Hi Tim,

      You can etch it yourself, before doing so if you are not familiar with the process I’d watch some Youtube videos on it to become more familiar with it. There is also information on the FAQ page on our website about the etching and finishing process. If you bought it straight from the maker I’d check with them to see if it’s something that they would be willing to do for you, I know most of them are more then willing to since they want the customer to be happy with the product.
      Let me know if you have any other questions.

      Thanks

      Reply
    • Avatar for Brandon PughBrandon Pugh says

      January 19, 2021 at 7:15 am

      Etching will also create micro-serrations so just be cognizant of the type of chefs knife you’re using and what you’re using it for. As a chef and knife maker micro-serrations help with all sorts of general purpose cutting but may not be helpful in things like soft breads.

      Reply
  5. Avatar for Girl With ToolsGirl With Tools says

    January 20, 2019 at 12:03 am

    When you’re done, how do you remove the Nail Polish?

    Also, can you use Muriatic Acid Cleaner Alternatives (like the Eco-Safety brand)?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jeff BaileyJeff Bailey says

      February 4, 2019 at 8:52 pm

      Hi there,

      To remove the Nail Polish you just use Nail Polish Remover or Acetone will also work.
      I have not tried the Eco-Safety Brand but it’s worth a shot. There is also a way to etch damascus using coffee. Best source for seeing how that is done would be from Youtube. Just type in ” How to etch damascus with coffee”.
      Let me know if you have any other questions.
      Thanks,

      Reply
  6. Avatar for Randy WheelerRandy Wheeler says

    February 22, 2019 at 3:11 am

    I was using acetone, and seen that you don’t recommend it. Should I use denatured alcohol to clean before I start my etching?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jesse HarberJesse Harber says

      February 22, 2019 at 9:25 pm

      Just use rubbing alcohol

      Reply
  7. Avatar for BossHossBossHoss says

    March 3, 2019 at 11:07 pm

    Thanks for the article, increasingly helpful. I used it to restore a Damascus steel Dirk I let get damaged by rust quite badly. I polished off the rust and sanded of the pitting with a 600 grit paper. Then followed this process, useing Muriatic Acid. Although I had to submerg it in total for about an hour in 5-15 min intervals to get a good contrast. Really benefited the blade. I have photos I would like to share. Thanks immensly for the information as this was a highly sentimental blade.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Joan RamosJoan Ramos says

      February 4, 2020 at 4:29 pm

      Appreciate the comment. Always great to get feedback including the process you used. Thanks.

      Reply
  8. Avatar for DieselDiesel says

    April 14, 2019 at 9:21 am

    I’m trying to get a dark etch on some spirograph for a ring and can’t seem to get the contrast I’m looking for. I’ve done plenty etching on your stuff but usually for blades where I harden and temper the steel. Do I need to harden and temper to get the nice dark contrast I’m used to seeing?

    Reply
  9. Avatar for AntAnt says

    July 27, 2019 at 1:57 am

    Gonna try this on an old Damascus Shotgun Barrel.

    Reply
  10. Avatar for Joshua PickeringJoshua Pickering says

    August 24, 2019 at 2:04 am

    Studying metallurgy as a layman. Great information.

    Reply
  11. Avatar for TravisTravis says

    December 1, 2019 at 4:48 pm

    I bought a Damascus knife at a show and it won’t stop rusting after every use and wash. Is there a way to re etch the blade then seal it so it wont be so prone to rusting. Its the only knife I own that does this.

    Reply
    • Avatar for KyleKyle says

      February 11, 2022 at 10:02 am

      Travis, with Damascus you have to keep it well oiled. Its a lot easier to do some periodic maintenance than to clean up the rust. Damascus can be like a girlfriend, it requires regular attention, some minor maintenance, lots of love, and it’ll be strong and ready when your need it.
      Generally I’ll touch up my edges and apply a thin coat of gun oil. Also, if your blade sits in a sheath it’s best to remove it while storing or displaying.
      Hope this helps.

      Reply
  12. Avatar for ROCKYROCKY says

    April 9, 2020 at 1:29 pm

    I am in the process of building a knife with a Damascus blade.
    I reground the blade to my desired shape, sanded the surface
    using 400-600 grit and am now in the process of etching. Thank you for the detailed instructions that I have been following with great success. It is lookin’ good!

    Reply
  13. Avatar for Tyler ColemanTyler Coleman says

    April 16, 2020 at 11:45 am

    I have some damascus that I used to make some motorcycle parts. Do they need to be heat treated before the etching to really bring out the contrast?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jesse HarberJesse Harber says

      January 31, 2022 at 3:50 pm

      yes its ideal, for extra color and to help resist rust

      Reply
  14. Avatar for ROCKYROCKY says

    May 3, 2020 at 11:02 am

    After grinding the blade to my desired shape and sanding smooth to almost mirror
    finish, I did the acid bath three times to achieve a good contrast in the steel. Finished
    with 1200 sanding. Turned out beautiful, complimenting the stag handle I just finished. Thanks for the very helpful article.

    /Users/stephenrockefeller/Desktop/ROCK PROJECTS/KNIFE BUILDING/DAMASCUS 2/100percntSM.jpg

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jesse HarberJesse Harber says

      January 31, 2022 at 3:49 pm

      Sounds awesome!

      Reply
  15. Avatar for don haldimanndon haldimann says

    July 26, 2020 at 8:12 pm

    Is there a best method to etch mokume?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jesse HarberJesse Harber says

      January 31, 2022 at 3:49 pm

      A quick dip in and out of some ferric chloride is a cool look.

      Reply
  16. Avatar for KeithKeith says

    July 30, 2020 at 7:30 am

    Hi, I made a ring from Damascus steel and have it sitting in ferric chloride 50 50 mix and it’s not doing anything , I have left it in for 3 hours and it’s still not eating into the steel as I want it to , what could I be doing wrong ?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jesse HarberJesse Harber says

      January 31, 2022 at 3:48 pm

      Hope you got this figured out

      Reply
  17. Avatar for Gordon OGordon O'Meara says

    July 31, 2020 at 11:06 pm

    I’m just getting started every time I dip my blades in straight mureatic acid and I use water and dip 4 or 5 times for some reason they will turn real dark you can see the patterns in the blade but it is just not the look people who buy Damascus are looking for.

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jesse HarberJesse Harber says

      January 31, 2022 at 3:47 pm

      You should always use distilled water if your not. Check out our FAQ, follow those instructions and you should be good. If it’s not our damascus than that could be your issue too.

      Reply
  18. Avatar for Logan CampisiLogan Campisi says

    December 17, 2020 at 2:23 pm

    I’m new to Damascus and I was wondering what type of alcohol to use to clean the Damascus before the etch like liquor or acetone or what

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jesse HarberJesse Harber says

      January 31, 2022 at 3:40 pm

      Rubbing alcohol is good

      Reply
  19. Avatar for FrankyFranky says

    January 22, 2021 at 1:49 pm

    Magnifique !
    Bravo et
    Merci beaucoup pour toutes ces informations claires net et précises !
    Meilleures salutations de l autre côté de l océan Atlantique !…

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jesse HarberJesse Harber says

      January 31, 2022 at 3:30 pm

      Vous êtes les bienvenus. Merci pour votre commentaire

      Reply
  20. Avatar for ANDY MarkerANDY Marker says

    January 25, 2021 at 4:24 pm

    If you are etching Damascus that butts up against wood scales what is the best way to do this? Can I tape off the wood and just brush on the ferric acid, then brush on the baking soda or windex?
    Any help is appreciated, great article.

    Thanks
    Andy

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jesse HarberJesse Harber says

      January 31, 2022 at 3:28 pm

      Better to be careful without tape in my opinion, tape leaks. If it was me I would use a sponge to spread the ferric/Distilled water mix over the blade. Full, smooth passes over entire blade for 5 minutes or more. Then like you said, nuetralize with windex or baking soda

      Reply
  21. Avatar for Michael FarmerMichael Farmer says

    May 28, 2021 at 1:20 pm

    Hi,
    Just bought a cheap knife with damascus blade. It has vertical scratch marks in the blade, which I’m sanding out by hand. When I’m done and ready to etch, what do you recommend as the best way of protecting the handle? At least a little of the handle will need to be in the acid to ensure the whole blade is etched (I think). Suggestions???

    Reply
    • Avatar for Jesse HarberJesse Harber says

      January 31, 2022 at 3:23 pm

      If it was me I would use a sponge to spread the ferric/Distilled water mix over the blade. Full, smooth passes over entire blade for 5 minutes or more.

      Reply
  22. Avatar for DougDoug says

    June 17, 2022 at 11:33 am

    I had sanded the tang of my blade while shaping the handle, which removed any previously-visible “damascus” contrast lines. (up to 600 grit sandpaper)

    I bought some muriatic acid and some masking liquid and then painted the masking liquid on the handle, leaving the tang exposed to be etched.

    When the masking liquid was dry, using a resparator, gloves, and eye protection, I repeatedly painted the taing with muriatic acid for about 15 minutes. I did this instead of submerging because the blade didn’t need additional etching.

    To nutralize I used a strong baking soda solution and then plenty of water.

    The results were excellent! The damascus pattern was revealed.

    The downside was: In a couple of places the masking liquid had left a tiny amount of wood exposed (fractions of a millimeter), and the acid stained the wood. If you’re masking like I did, be SURE to avoid gaps.

    Conveniently, my goal wasn’t to make a “clean” knife. I wanted something that had more of a worn look to it. So the discolouration fit with the desired aesthetic. (yay)

    Mistakes: I forgot to clean with alchol before etching. (wasn’t a problem in the end, but I had intended do…)

    Thanks for your article!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Damascus Patterns - From Billet to Finished Product says:
    June 9, 2017 at 11:38 am

    […] using typhoon Damascus look even more gorgeous with deep etching. Just look at the incredible contrast and texture in the knife on the left below. Click the images […]

    Reply
  2. Is Damascus Steel Strong? says:
    December 21, 2017 at 12:03 pm

    […] Etching Damascus helps bring out the contrasting colors in the pattern. Poorly etched pieces will often have spots. […]

    Reply
  3. What's the proper technique for etching Damascus? ⋆ Vegas Forge says:
    September 27, 2018 at 8:01 pm

    […] safety gear like eye protection and gloves. For detailed instructions for etching Damascus, use this link. The basic process is as […]

    Reply

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