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How to Improve Etching on Steel

You can improve etching that has been made in steel by periodically cleaning and then conditioning the metal. To do this you will need to use a phosphoric-based acid. This makes the steel rust-resistant and is used to remove contaminants. A phosphoric-based acid can be found at your local automotive paint store. However, the steel needs to be clean before you apply the phosphoric-based acid.

Things You'll Need

Dish soap
Clean cloth
Plastic sheets
Masking tape
Phosphoric-based acid
Nylon scuff pad
Hair dryer

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the steel with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. Rinse it with clean water and wipe it dry with a clean cloth.
- 2
  Cover areas of the steel around the etching with plastic sheets. Secure the plastic sheets to the steel with masking tape.
- 3
  Pour a small amount of the phosphoric-based acid onto the nylon scuff pad. Alternatively, spray the acid directly onto the metal. Wet the surface of the etching and allow the acid to sit for three minutes.
- 4
  Rinse the acid from the steel with water.
- 5
  Plug the hair dryer into an electrical outlet and turn it on. Set the hair dryer to "High" and blow hot air over the steel until it is dry.

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