What's the difference between a cleaner and a neutralizer?

A cleaner prepares the part before etching, removing oils, coolant, dirt, or other surface contamination so the stencil, electrolyte, and marking head can do their job consistently. A neutralizer treats the part after marking, protecting it from corrosion at the mark site. Using one in place of the other won't do the job you actually need.

How often does a part need cleaning before etching?

It depends on your production style. If you're marking piece parts individually, clean each one before its mark. If you're running a batch, a cleaning pass at the end of the run is often enough. Start with water and drying; move up to one of our cleaners if the part's condition calls for it.

Data matrix code and serial number M123456 laser-etched onto a metallic surface

Electrochemical Etching

Electrochemical Etching Stencil Cleaners

Cleaners and neutralizers are not the same thing, and we keep them on separate pages on purpose. A cleaner prepares the part before etching, removing oils, films, and other contamination so the mark comes out clean. A neutralizer treats the part after it's been marked, protecting it from corrosion at the mark site. We've seen customers reach for one where they meant the other, and it costs real time on the floor, so the distinction is worth being explicit about.

Monodi neutralizing products in various plastic bottles and containers

Cleaners

Cleaners are used before the etch, when needed, to remove surface contamination that may interfere with the mark. Not every part needs to be cleaned. Cleaning depends on the condition of the part surface.
A cleaner may be used when the part has:

oil
coolant
dirt
handling residue
light surface contamination
shop film
residue from prior processing

Cleaners

Size

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How to Choose
Etching Stencil Cleaners

Choose based on how much cleaning power the part's surface condition requires.

Cleaner #1, Cleaner #3, and LIC Cleaner

are mild, near-neutral pH cleaners, suited to light contamination and routine pre-etch prep.

Note: LIC Cleaner is a concentrate.

Cleaner #2

is a stronger alkaline cleaner, around pH 11, for parts that need more aggressive cleaning before etching.

SC Stencil Cleaner

This helps take residue out of the capillary films of the stencils for longer life

▪ Frequently Asked Questions

Etching Stencil Cleaners FAQs

Related Products

MODSe Stencil Cutting System

The MODSe pairs a rugged pin printer with Traceable-IT-T1 E software to cut custom electrochemical etch stencils in-house — built for shops that need serialized, compliant marking without waiting on pre-made stencils.

Inspection Markers and Caps

A standard line of small marking heads built for applying inspection symbols in aerospace parts marking — simple construction and a formed stencil cap make changeover quick while keeping marks uniform, even at very small sizes.

Hand Markers

Monode’s core hand marker line — available in a wide range of standard sizes, or machined at custom angles and contours to reach difficult marking locations. Ideally sized larger than the image being marked but smaller than the stencil, for a clean single-pressure mark.

Marking Systems

MARKING SYSTEMS

Consumables & supplies

Electrochemical Etching Stencil Cleaners

Cleaners