According to Midas of Richmond via RTD article, this does include etching.
FREE CATALYTIC CONVERTER MARKING: "Operation Catalytic Converter Crackdown" kicked off region wide today to provide community members with an opportunity to get the catalytic converters on their vehicles marked for free.
This public-private partnership is aimed at combating catalytic converter thefts across the region. Here's how the program works:
📷 Marking events will occur on Nov. 13, Dec. 11, and Jan. 8 and you will need to register to reserve an appointment. (You must be the vehicle's registered owner and have your ID and registration with you when you arrive.)
📷 Reserve a date and time at https://converter.midasofrichmond.com to have your catalytic converter painted. Choose the Midas location where you reside: Richmond, Henrico County, Chesterfield County or Colonial Heights. Paint colors align with your locality of residence.
📷 Midas will use bright, high-temperature spray paint to mark your catalytic converter under your vehicle, making it less desirable for potential theft. Paint will only be visible underneath the vehicle and will not affect operation.
📷 It's estimated to take only 15 minutes to have your catalytic converter painted. This event is FREE and open to area residents and to members of the VCU and U of R communities.
LevarGotMeStoney t1_isz48e2 wrote
Do they really think spray painting them is going to work? Hard pass.
If anything, it is going to make it faster and easier for thieves to spot the cat on your specific make and model. may as well paint a giant arrow pointing to it.
No scrap metal yards is going to turn away a cat because it has paint on it, as cars from these events will eventually be wrecked and subject to scrapping.
and do you really want someone at midas just spraying away at your car with a can of krylon? overspray is a thing.