Anode foil, preferably aluminum anode foil, is etched using a process of adding an etch resist to the anode foil and treating the foil in an electrolyte bath composition comprising a sulfate, a halide, an oxidizing agent, a surface active agent, and a non-ionic surfactant. The anode foil is etched in the electrolyte bath composition by passing a charge through the bath. The etched anode foil is suitable for use in an electrolytic capacitor.