Etching titanium with Multi-Etch

How to etch titanium with Multi-Etch, the safer alternative to hydrofluoric acid

Multi-Etch was originally developed for use on titanium, and is a perfect low acid (pH 6.8) alternative to hazardous hydrofluoric (HF) acid

How much titanium will one gallon of Multi-Etch etch? Approximately 1,500 square inches of titanium when dipped for three seconds at 120–150°F. As you etch, the etchant gradually becomes ineffective and contaminated with titanium ions that can re-plate to the metal, causing uneven anodizing.

Etch times shown in the charts below are guidelines. Etch times can vary depending on the freshness of the etch bath.

Surface finish — whether polished, matte, etc. — will be maintained as long as the etch time is less than 20 seconds. Longer etch times will tend to change polished finishes to matte. After 5 minutes, the finish starts to trend to semi-polished.

Titanium with mill oxides, which are hard to see, may require longer etching times. For many small parts, use a tumbler with ceramic media moistened with double strength Multi-Etch; tumble for approximately 15 minutes.

Download a PDF version of titanium etch rates for Multi-Etch.

Step-by-step guides on etching titanium with Multi-Etch

• Video guides on using Multi-Etch

• Etching titanium using heated Multi-Etch

• Etching titanium using room-temperature Multi-Etch

Tips and tricks when etching titanium with Multi-Etch

• Removing anodized color from titanium with Multi-Etch

• Preparing titanium for welding using Multi-Etch

• Tips on keeping etch times consistent

• Etching rates for all metals using 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.