A method of removing recast from a substrate is disclosed. The method includes chemically removing the recast using an etchant, which provides a visual indication of the presence of the recast when the part has been removed from the etchant. One example chemical etchant is comprised of a sulfuric acid solution that includes sodium chloride, sodium fluoride and ammonium persulfate. After chemical removal of the recast from the substrate, the recast is physically removed from the substrate, for example, by media blasting. The chemical and physical recast removal process can be repeated as desired. To ensure that all the recast has been removed, the substrate is wiped, for example, using a cloth. If all the recast has been removed, the cloth will not change in appearance or color.