Electronic – Does ferric chloride etchant “go bad” after some period of time

etchingpcb-fabrication

I have some old circuit board etching solution (ferric chloride) that is unused but a few years old and has not been in a temperature controlled environment. It has been sitting, all but forgotten, on a shelf in my garage.

I'd like to etch some small boards this weekend, but would rather not ruin them with old chemicals.

Should I just go ahead and use it or buy some new etchant?

Best Answer

I have successfully used ferric chloride from a ten year old bottle. It was stored in my house though, not the garage.