I would take it out just so you can completely rinse out the etch between each cycle and when you're done. Etch sticking around in hidden areas (and there are quite a few inside) causes some quick rust.
First time I did it, it took me a while to feel the spring compressing w/a punch in the extractor stem hole. I finally used a nail w/a slightly bent tip to push the spring up a little more so it would clear the edge of the hole. Do it once, and you'll have it figured out. It's harder to explain than do.
If you have problems, post again.
Good luck and let us know how your Damascus refinish turns out.