[jeffm]

Hi, I am new to this forum, but I tried searching previous posts and couldn't find one the fit my question.

I have been trying to use a monode etcher to etch on a stainless steel blade.

I keep getting a brown color at first, then it may darken to black which can then be easily wiped off. It also seems to pick up etched spots color and darken other areas. I first do a deep etch using the dc setting, then fill it in with the a/c setting.

I use a felt pad and switch to a fresh one between dc and ac. I have tried all voltage settings, and do not get a different result. I also use a stainless steel solution bought from McMaster.com.

Is there any idea how I can get a nice clean black mark? I have tried simply putting the pad on for 5 seconds and off for 5 seconds and various other combinations, and also hovering it slightly over the material. I have tried pressing it into the material, lightly touching it, and keeping it just above it. All of this with the same result.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Jeff