[classict]

I am looking for a corrosive to use as an aggressive etching agent. I am dealing with 1018 mild steel and need a way to produce an outer surface with a highly etched effect. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) seems to be the best for this but I in no way am an authority in this (your) field. I was hoping for some advice or instruction to achieve my goal. Assuming the metal is a 3/32" thick 3" X 3" plate of 1018 mild steel with the standard composition of    

Element   Weight %
C     0.15-0.20
Mn     0.60-0.90
P     0.04 (max)
S     0.05 (max)

Would this be a valid option? Also (wanting to be safe) what should be my concerns as far as reactivity?

Thank you in advance for any and all advice.