etching copper: fast etch solution and brightener.
Forget ferric chloride, this is the right way to do it. Excellent for doing printed circuit boards or as a pretreatment for painting.

Degrease to a water-break free surface with an even mixture of acetone and isopropanol. Immediately immerse (or brush) with a mixture of 4 parts water, 1 part concentrated hydrochloric acid and 2 parts hydrogen peroxide. When the copper is etched as much as you need it (instantly, for painting purposes) remove the scaly deposits on it with dilute ammonia solution. Rinse well with water and dry with fresh acetone if you need to paint it, otherwise air-dry.

remember to follow basic H&S protocols for the reagents involved: if you don't know what they are you shouldn't be trying it. On the upside - this works a treat.
(Jack Rarebit ...We like chillies, Sun 3 Dec 2006, 23:41, Reply)