Originally Posted by
Alex2005
OK, so after convincing people that i'm not a lunatic I managed to buy the 32% strength HCl.
I diluted with 50% water so about 16% strength, this stuff stinks.
I laid the steel in the solution and it does bubble away so to speak, but it seems to take longer than 5-10 minutes.
The finish I get is like a gun metal grey colour, is it possible to get a shiny metallic finish?
No. The acid is etching metal away so it is making tiny pits in the surface.
That stuff does stink; I hope you did this outside. Your lungs will not thank you if you inhale too much.
Also keep both the 32% and your diluted mix outside and away from any metal. The fumes will settle on any metal and start corroding it. Even with the cap screwed on the original container enough will escape that if you put it in a confined space with some metal you will likely see corrosion in a few days.
To reduce the continuing corrosion on your treated metal wash it in a baking soda solution to neutralize the residual acid.
An open mind is a virtue...so long as all the common sense has not leaked out.