How To Acid Etch A Concrete Floor?

What kind of acid do you use to etch concrete?

What Is Etching Concrete. Acid etching is the process of applying hydrochloric/muriatic or buffered phosphoric acid to a slab, then rinsing it off with water.

What is the best way to etch concrete?

Muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, is the typical acid of choice when etching concrete. It is inexpensive and a dangerous chemical that can damage almost anything it comes in contact with.

Do I need to acid etch concrete?

If the concrete is new or does not have heavy oil contamination it still needs to be etched. The rougher the better. Thin build systems (waterborne epoxy) are best prepped by using a acid etching or diamond grinding. The key here is to open up the pores of the concrete so the epoxy has something to sink into.

Does vinegar etch concrete?

Etching – Vinegar’s ability to dissolve CaCO3 will dull your marble, travertine, concrete and terrazzo surfaces. It may “clean” the surface but it is also dissolving pits into the finish and effectively dulling it. This will affect marble, travertine, concrete and concrete terrazzo surfaces.

How long should concrete dry after etching?

After all the water has been removed, the pad should have at least 48 hours of drying time before you apply any etching to the surface. If the weather is particularly humid, wait up to 72 hours for best results.

How soon can you paint after etching concrete?

Sealer or Paint Applications



Sealers range from 24 to 72 hours as a general rule, while epoxy paint applications to the etched areas of the concrete can take up to 10 days to dry in humid conditions.

How do you prepare old concrete for painting?

Allow to dry for several days.

1. Sand and Vacuum the Floor. Sand off any old paint or any other uneven areas.
2. Fill Cracks and Holes. If the surface of your floor is cracked or rough, mix concrete patch compound, following package directions.
3. Apply Primer.
4. Apply Epoxy Paint.
5. Apply Masonry Sealer.

Can you paint concrete without etching?

Etching is a crucial step in preparing concrete for painting. It gives the surface tooth to adhere to, so your paint is more likely to stick for a long time. Most concrete paints require etching and if they don’t, do it anyway. Don’t skip this step if you want a long-lasting painted concrete floor.

Do I need to acid etch new concrete before epoxy?

The short answer is: Yes, even new concrete needs to be etched before applying epoxy or a similar type of garage floor coating. Etching is part of the concrete preparation process. Also known as concrete surface profiling, the process of acid etching opens the pores of the concrete and creates a rougher surface.

How long should muriatic acid sit on concrete?

Brush or spray on a 1:10 diluted mix of acid in water onto the surface, allow it to sit for up to 10 minutes, but no longer, then spray it with a solution of 1 cup ammonia in a gallon of water to neutralize the acid.

How much does it cost to acid etch concrete?

Typically, staining concrete costs between $7 and $15 per square foot. Contractors charge between $2 and $4 per square foot for a simple stain job and between $12 and $25 per square foot for a high-end design.

How do you etch concrete without acid?

If you want to avoid acid altogether, then another product that works well as an alternative to acid etching your garage floor is a product called Eco-Etch Pro. It is a plant based, biodegradable product that will not harm plant life, is non-corrosive, will not burn your skin, and neutralizes with water.