#2 Etch Test for Glass

This is a test for what I call Total Glass Dissolution.  Which is very simply put, the ability of the liquid in question to eat up and dissolve all molecular components of the glass.  That would be both the silicas and silicates.  In other words the calcium, sodium, oxygen, and silicon atoms.

To do this you will first need a small plastic cup.  About four inches.  Fill it half way with the liquid/product in question.  Then take a small/business card size piece of window glass.  I use the 3/16 inch glass from a glass shop.  You can ask them to cut you some two by three and a half inch (business card size) pieces.  They will even smooth the edges so you won't get cut.  Next just drop one gently into your plastic cup half filled with liquid.  The liquid should rise about half way up the glass plate. So that half is immersed and half is dry.  Let it set at room temperature for about a half hour.  Next remove and run it under the tap.  Then dry completely.  Inspect in bright light.

If total dissolution has occurred you will notice a rippled/orange peal like line where the liquid and air met.  You might see some clouding above this that won't go away.  The surface of the glass that was immersed should be very clear.  You might even be able to feel the rippled line with your fingernail.  Probably more on one side of the glass than the other.  And if you hold the glass closer to your face and look through it at the distant landscape, then move it a little, you should see the objects viewed through it move a little funny.  This line is the site of total dissolution.  Of course the surface that was totally immersed was also totally dissolved.  But the effect is much more noticeable at this line.  Again, if you want to do this test with something that is sure to cause this effect, pick up some sulfuric acid (battery acid) from the auto parts store.  But use caution.  Gloves and goggles are always best when working with acids.  It is a very strong acid.  About 37% clear sulfuric.

Written by Henry Grover Jr

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#1 Etch Test for Glass

So you have bought a liquid wonder product for removing hard water deposits.  You have watched the manufacturers video on how to use it.  You have read the reviews and talked to other guys about how effective it is.  And now you're ready!  Hold on!  Please read and do this first.  Then every time you hear about another wonder product put it to the test.  This first test I discovered by accident.  Yet it is one of the most effective and simple tests.  No high tech instruments.  Just a 3M green pad, some magic tape, a mirror, flashlight, and a very dark room.

Take a one by one foot mirror plate.  Create a nice patch of scratches in the middle with your green pad.  Tape off one side of the patch to keep it dry.  Then apply the wonder product to only one half of the patch.  Do not let it contact the other side.  That is what the tape is for.  Give it a good thirty seconds to a minute.  Remove with soapy water, and squeegee.  Remove tape to reveal the rest of patch.  Next take your nice clean, dry mirror into a very dark room.  A bathroom without windows works well.  Look down the beam of the flashlight at the entire scratch patch.  If the product in question has any amount of acid that etches glass you will notice that the scratches that made contact with the product will be very noticeable compared to the scratches that were covered by the tape.

I have developed this test using pure acids such as hydrofluoric, sulfuric, and ammonium hydrofluoride.  Hydrofluoric worked well for me down to only 1%.  If you want to play with a reasl easy to get bad boy you might go to the local auto parts store.  Buy some battery acid.  This is essentially sufuric acid at a 37% concentration.  I got my pint for four bux!  You might have to pay up to seven.

This test also doubles as a test for crude silicas used in hard water stain removers that are rub on gels, or rubbing powders. It is done the same way.  Just substitute the 3M green pad for your product.  Rub in your powdered products using a damp sponge.  Also rub in your gel without water using a slightly damp 100% cellulose sponge.

Written by Henry Grover Jr

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