How to etch steel plate with common products?

[DAVIDSTECKER]

I am working on a welding procedure and the welding expert said that we should prepare the test plates with the "Grain" of plate a certain direction.
One of the testing labs I work with told me to use a solution of HNO3 and 98% Ethanol but finding small amount required is becoming complicated.
Does any know of any products that I can get at the hardware or grocery store that can etch the steel enough to determine the direction the plate was rolled?
Best regards, David

 

[IRstuff]

It's not just a question of of "etching," it's the fact that this particular combination presumably etches preferentially, which some j-random etchant may not do at all. There are tons of chemical supply places on the web.

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[Compositepro]

Nitric acid is the starting material for making most high explosives so it has become very difficult to obtain without proving who you are and what your need is. This is a time consuming process for a supplier and simply not worth while for a tiny order. You can buy small quantities from Aldrich, but you will have to go through a process to become a qualified customer, and they are not cheap.

 

[berkshire]

You can re- purpose another chemical pack for your job.
Tap-out chemical remover for removing broken taps is essentially Nitric acid.
It is available in small quantities, but it is not cheap.
B.E.

 

[DAVIDSTECKER]

I spoke with Aldrich this morning and they are actually here in St. Louis but all I need to do is dab a small spot.
I could get a liter with a note on company letter head for the most part, good looks just doesn't go as far as it used to, but all I need as about 2mL.
Any way the materials lab is sending one of their guys out next week so I'm covered.
Thanks to all for you time.
Best regards, David

 

[drumsdw]

Oxalic acid is great to use. Nital(Nitric Acid 10%-H20 balance) is good to use also for carbon steel. Oxalic acid in 10% solution is very readily available in liquid form. Also you can heat the solution with a DC power source for greater results, only about 15 volts should do it.

Hope this helps,