Sodium Bifluoride Supplier — Glass Etching & Metal Pickling Grade

What Is Sodium Bifluoride?

Sodium Bifluoride (sodium hydrogen difluoride, NaHF₂) is an inorganic fluoride compound produced by the partial neutralization of hydrofluoric acid with sodium hydroxide. It is a white crystalline solid that, when dissolved in water, releases fluoride ions and gives mildly acidic solutions. Sodium bifluoride is used across many of the same applications as ammonium bifluoride — glass etching, metal treatment, and as a fluoride source in industrial chemistry — and is preferred where ammonia-free formulations are required.

Glass Etching and Surface Finishing

Sodium Bifluoride dissolves in acidic aqueous media to give fluoride-active etching solutions for glass frosting and matte finishing. It is used in glass etching baths, particularly where the absence of ammonia is required to avoid contamination or odor in the work environment. It is also used in formulations for decorative glass etching, mirror backing removal, and specialty optical glass treatment.

Metal Pickling and Surface Treatment

Sodium bifluoride serves as a fluoride-ion source in acidic metal pickling baths, used in conjunction with nitric acid for stainless steel, titanium, and high-alloy steel surface cleaning. It removes oxides, heat tint, and surface contamination without the handling hazards of concentrated aqueous HF. It is also used in flux preparations for soldering and brazing of aluminum and its alloys.

Laundry, Cleaning, and Chemical Production

Sodium bifluoride is used as a laundry sour — an acidic rinsing agent that neutralizes residual alkali in laundered fabric and prevents yellowing. In industrial cleaning, it is used in rust-removal formulations and scale removers for boilers and process equipment. It is a starting material for the synthesis of sodium fluoride (NaF) via thermal decomposition, and is used in the production of other fluoride salts and compounds.