Nitric Acid

**HMPjewellery** · 13-06-2011, 10:28 PM

Does any know where

would be best to get nitric acid from?

**Dennis** · 14-06-2011, 06:16 AM

Hi Hannah,
Walshes sell it. http://www.hswalsh.com/search.aspx?s...d&s3=&f=1&l=10

**ps_bond** · 14-06-2011, 08:31 AM

But only if you collect it yourself AIUI?

**HMPjewellery** · 14-06-2011, 09:35 AM

Thanks guys.... is anything else suitable for acid etching...could a use pickle for example?

**ps_bond** · 14-06-2011, 10:15 AM

I've had a couple of looks at the nitric acid pH down solutions sold by some of the hydroponics lot; another alternative might be electroetching - if it's silver, then silver nitrate is relatively easily available.

I think it boils down to what you want to etch?
(but don't boil it, acid fumes everywhere...)

**medusa** · 14-06-2011, 06:55 PM

I can't remember where I get mine from, I'll have to look, but i did get it mail order. It's really dodgy stuff though. It will melt your lungs if you inhale it. a less scary etch is ferric nitrate.

**Joe** · 14-06-2011, 10:04 PM

I bought my last 85% acid from Biostains. 85% is just bellow the "fuming nitric" concentration at which it becomes dangerous even to remove the lid! At 85% there is a little curl of brown sulphur dioxide when you remove the cap which you are discouraged from sniffing - unless you want to die unpleasantly.

I very strongly recommend getting some careful advice about acid handling; buying a few pipettes and a pipette bulb. These acids can be handled safely at home with proper care that can be easily learned.

There is, however, no safe dilution of hydrofluoric acid. Do not be tempted to have a go.

**medusa** · 14-06-2011, 11:23 PM

ahhhh nitric and hydrofluoric acids. melt your eyeballs or melt your lungs.

My neighbours think I'm some kind of rubber fetishist when they see me in my garden opening my acid containers.