Buying Guide

How to Choose an Etching Additive Oil

Published 2025-05-20By SGZ Metal Material (Group) Co., Ltd.

The additive, not the plate, decides how the etched shoulder comes out. SGZ stocks four grades across two metals, and names which of them each of its plates is intended to run with. That naming is the most useful thing in this guide.

The two zinc grades

Velv-Etch is the Fuji product, model E002, supplied in 20 kg drums. SGZ names it on its coated zinc plate specification.

The SGZ zinc etching additive oil is the house-brand alternative, described by SGZ as a good solvent for zinc plate etching, similar to Velv-Etch, and also supplied in 20 kg plastic drums. Having two grades on the same plate means a shop is not exposed if one supply line slows.

The two magnesium grades

X-Flex is the Fuji Hunt product, model E004. Rev-Flex is the MEL product, model E003. Both ship in 5 gallon and 20 kg drums, and SGZ names both on its coated magnesium plate specification.

X-Flex is listed first on that specification. Rev-Flex is the alternative.

Never cross the metals

A zinc additive on magnesium plate, or a magnesium additive on zinc, gives a poor etch and wastes the plate. Match the additive to the metal every time, not to whichever drum is open.

Bath conditions matter as much as the grade

An additive in a bath that swings in temperature gives a different etch depth on every cycle. The BS powderless machine holds temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C, rotation up to 450 r/min and time up to 60 minutes, which is what makes the result repeatable.

Planning stock

All four grades come in 20 kg drums, and the two magnesium grades also come in 5 gallon drums. Order plate and additive together so they arrive on the same shipment and clear customs once.