Posted by George on July 13, 1999 at 17:42:20:
In Reply to: ID's posted by David Burns on July 13, 1999 at 13:34:37:
Try Muriatic acid sold in swimming pool supply stores. Stamp a die number in a piece of similar steel and try it out first before attacking the real numbers. You don't want to leave it on too long. Just a few seconds. Wash off with plenty of water, wear rubber gloves and eye protection. Then put a protective oil on the metal to protect against further corrision. It is brutal if you get it on your skin. This acid is usually cut 15% to start with but will still burn your skin.If you need to dilute the acid remember to pour the acid slowly into the water and not vice versa. I used to put a little in a glass jar and then use a cotton swab to daub the numbers. There is a special chemical police use to bring up numbers on guns, etc. but don't know if it is available to the public. Usually sold through law enforcement equipment stores. Believe there is one in Kansas City near you. Look in yellow pages under Police Equipment and give them a call.