Etch-all questions

[Luann Udell]

I've been buying Etch-All for years from R&T.  

It mystifies me.  I use a bottle until it's absolutely black--and it still works!

In fact, I really only have to replace it as I lose a little bit of the liquid with each "bead matting run".  It never really seems to lose its effectiveness or its efficiency--it still only takes a few minutes to work on most glass beads.  (Although I notice as it gets older, it does take longer to work on stone beads--I THINK.)

And yet it's so safe to use.  I get it on my hands and it's not acidic or painful or burning.  (I do refrain from getting it in my eyes or drinking it...yum!)

So my question is, what is this stuff?  Why does it last so long??  How does it continue to work so well when the solution is obviously so saturated with bead gunk?

Inquiring minds want to know....   '>

[marym]

Lunann I hope you don't mind but I passed your post via e-mail to a rep of etchall- his Answers were just as funny as your questions... you two funny etching people...  here you go- (PS: I'm going to attempt to send you the mentioned psd attachment via forum messenger- look for it in your messenger box).


Well "Luann with the inquiring mind" it's all MAGIC.

... and I can tell from your email that you have a guilty conscience about over using the etchall dip 'n etch compared to what you paid for it.  I have the solution ... send MONEY ... large bills are acceptable. Believe me you will feel a lot better next time you dip your beads.

Seriously, I have attached one of our MSDS information sheets for your review.  The ingredients are listed ... if that is not enough ... I'm sorry, but you will have to settle for the "MAGIC" thing.

Thanks for all of your support.  An email likes yours is always a
pleasure to receive.  Oh yea, I'm so glad you have refrained from drinking the dip ---

Well I have to get back to sending out more MAGIC ... you have a great day.

always "itching to etch",
 
Bob

[Luann Udell]

Mary, I'm delighted you forwarded my questions to Bob. He sounds like a kindred spirit (to quote Anne of Green Gables...)

I didn't really expect them to reveal any intellectual property about the stuff.  I just can't figure out why it works so well for so long.  Wish other things had those same properties.  Whoops!!

I can't find any messages in my mail box, so keep trying!
thank you,
Luann

 '>
I've wanted to use this emoticon for ages and now's my chance!

[Polly]

This reminds me -- in a filing cabinet near our sales area copier, we do have paper MSDS (I think that's short for Material Safety Data Sheets) on just about everything anyone could possibly want one for.  They don't give up major secrets, but I believe they do list primary active ingredients. (plus what to do in case of emergency)

So - just ask when placing an order, and we can copy one and toss one into your order.  We have these sheets for: any brand of polymer clay that we stock, any type of glue that we stock, Etch-All, and a dozen other chemical-ly things that I can't think of right now.  

~~Polly