Hi people I have some mokume to use. Some is nickel silver,copper.and brass; some is brass and nicnel silver. I tried etching the first type with muriatic acid ( for contast of course) but did not get much if any change. Please advise about etching or not and if so what acid is recommended. Any and all help will be appreciated Thanks and redards Frank.

Frank, no etching is required. Mike Sakmar recommended sanding to 400 grit, but I know that others go finer and even buff. The material will oxidize in a few days, and the pattern will be very visible.

I used some mokume last week and tried Ferric Chloride, it gave a nice contrast. I found that the mokume must be absolutly clean else the etch is uneven.

Here's something you can try: Heat equal parts of sulfer and soda ash in a tin (about 1 teaspoon of each). The lot will catch fire and smolder for a while. Stinks real bad. You will get a black substance on the bottom of the tin. Add some warm water and apply with 000 steel wool or a scotch brite pad. (Not the one with the sponge attached, it will eat away the sponge)

The the nickel and brass should not color, the copper will come out black. It also works with most types of bronze.

(Soda ash is what you use to raise the pH of your pool.

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Tiaan

Thanks for your help people! If anyone has anything more please post. I will check in the time to come. Frank