How to Erase Etching Acid

Cleaning away acid after an acid etching is crucial for the preservation of the art and personal safety.

Acid etching is a style of art that involves burning away parts of the surface of a material to create slight indentations. Creating acid etchings can be dangerous due to the harsh chemicals involved in the process. Cleaning up after creating an acid etching can be just as difficult to the pH balance neutralization procedures and legal disposal protocols.

Instructions

1. Investigate local chemical disposal regulations. In many localities, disposing of chemicals beyond a certain pH requires adherence to a strict procedure.

2. Create a neutralizing solution out of baking soda and water in a 1:5 ratio. Administer the baking soda solution to the acid in a way that will not cause splash back. Pour the solution gently onto the acid or use a spray bottle to spray the surface of an art object.

3. Wear heavy gloves that are specifically designed to resist acid, and use an acid etching cloth to gently rub the diluted baking soda onto the surface of the art object.

4. Touch a pH strip to the surface of the object to test its pH balance. A reading of 7.0 is ideal, but any reading in the range of 6.0 to 9.0 is acceptable. Readings below 6.0 are too acidic and require more baking soda solution.

5. Pour the liquids into a plastic container than can withstand any residual pH imbalances and dispose of the liquid according to your locality's legal guidelines.

References

• SealKrete: Acid Etching
• Epoxy Products: Acid Etching