Etch-I-MTM: Product Number 4408
Chemical Etching Cream for Ceramic and Porcelain,

• Works in about 5 minutes

• Safe and easy to use

• Replaces the tough work of sanding

• Shortens prep time up to 80%.

• Can be reused over and over

• (Patented Technology)

Product Description: XIM Etch-l-M is a brushable etching cream that will dull or etch the surface of hard, silica based materials such as porcelain, porcelainized steel construction panels, tile, glazed block and glass. It actually removes the glossy surface glaze. It is formulated into a thick brushable cream to minimize runs, drips and splashing. Etch-l-M is used as an alternative to the hard work of manual or machine sanding when the surface must be dulled for paint adhesion. Since Etch-l-M works in minutes, its use can shorten surface preparation time by up to 80%. Etch-l-M leaves a uniform, dull surface without the problem of deep sanding scratch marks that could show through the final finish. It can be reused over and over and cleans upwith water. Note: Etching is defined as the chemical corrosion of the porcelain or glass surface. XIM's Etching Cream contains fluoride salts. It can be considered a dilute solution of hydrofluoric acid and must be handled with care. Hydrogen fluoride is used in the steel industry to pickle stainless steel, aluminum and titanium. It is used in the glass industry as an etchant.

Product Preparation: XIM Etch-l-M Etching Cream is used as is from the container. During storage Etch-l-M can form a gel or separate and crystallize. This is expected. Mix or Stir to a brushable consistency before using. Note: Keep from freezing. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use. Store at room temperature. Keep away from children.

Surface Preparation: Careful surface preparation and cleaning is the key to good results. Before using the XIM Etching Cream be sure the surface is thoroughly clean and free from all grease, wax, oil, and dirt, mildew, rust and soap residues. Soap residues are not easily seen, but must be removed completely. Clean the surface with a strong abrasive detergent using an abrasive pad or steel wool. Rinse well and allow to dry. Moldy or mildewed surfaces should be scrubbed with a mixture of one quart bleach and three quarts water and then thoroughly rinsed with clean water. Never mix bleach with detergents that contain ammonia. Note: The surface must be free from all contamination for the Etching Cream to "wet" and react with the surface. After removing all contamination, tape off all areas not to be etched. XIM's Etching Cream is an acid and will attack and etch (dull) aluminum and other metals.

How to Apply: XIM's Etch-l-M Etching Cream is best applied by brush. Apply a medium to heavy quantity of the Etching Cream over the surface to be dulled. It is recommended that you work only in small sections of a few square feet at a time. It is best to work at a temperature of 70 - 75 deg. F. After applying the Etching Cream allow it to work for about 5 minutes. Different types of glass and porcelain require somewhat different etching time frames.As an example, conditions that are suitable for etching soda-lime glass are not the same as those that will work on borosilicate glass. After applying, do not allow the etching cream to dry out. After the 5 to 10 minute contact period, scrape up the excess Etch-l-M cream and return it to its container. You MUST rinse the remaining Etching Cream from the surface
using plenty of clean water and an abrasive pad (the Etching Cream can attack steel wool) to remove the fluorosilicate scum formed during the etching process and any excess salt. Warm water (90 - 100 deg. F) is best for rinsing. If the scum dries, it becomes difficult to remove. When rinsed completely, dry with a clean cloth. Inspect the surface to make sure it has been etched to a uniform dull appearance. If surface dulling is not complete it indicates that the surface may be contaminated with a soap residue or that the Etching Cream requires a longer contact time. Re-clean and re-apply the Etching Cream for the desired result. NOTE: Etch-l-M will form a gel when stored, especially when stored at warm temperatures above 85 deg. F. It can also separate and crystallize when stored. This is the nature of the product and is expected. Therefore, Etch-l-M should be mixed before use. If gelled or separated, mix with a wooden paint stick until uniform.

Clean Up: Clean equipment with plenty of water immediately after use. Large amounts of running water should be used to solubilize the salts and dilute the acid.