Etching Mokume with Multi-Etch
Titanium-niobium mokume bead. By Exotica Jewelry, used with permission.
How to etch mokume (Ti + Nb) with Multi-Etch
Different etch rates of metals used in mokume accounts for the pattern enhancement. Titanium-niobium mokume needs only anodization preparation and then anodizing will bring out the patterns because any given voltage level will produce two different colors on the two metals. Also works well with copper-based mokume; will not etch precious metals.
| Process | Etch time | Surface change |
|---|---|---|
| 150–160°F regular strength | 7-10 seconds | Brightens; anodizing reveals patterns |
| 70°F double strength | 2 minutes | Brightens; anodizing reveals patterns |
| Note: times are for removing high-voltage green completely; lower voltage colors will take less time to remove. | |||
| Process | Etch time | Surface change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150–160°F regular strength | 4.5 minutes | Titanium: matte. Niobium: no change. | Titanium will lose color before niobium |
| 150–160°F double strength | 3.5 minutes | Titanium: matte. Niobium: slightly matte. | Titanium will lose color before niobium |
| 70°F double strength | 6 minutes | Trend toward matte | Will remove color from titanium only |
| Process | Etch time (minutes) | Etch depth (inches) | Surface change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 135°F regular strength | 5 | Variable | Patterns revealed by various depths |
Step-by-step guides on etching with Multi-Etch
The guides below demonstrate etching with titanium, but the order of steps are the same for etching mokume.
Tips and tricks when etching with Multi-Etch
Ordering Multi-Etch
Multi-Etch can be ordered throughout the world! View the list of Multi-Etch retailers.
Questions? You can contact Multi-Etch by phone or email.