Concrete that hasn't been treated after being poured can be too hard and smooth to accept paint or protection.etching or washing concrete with acid opens the pores of the concrete and prepares the surface to accept its next treatment.It's possible to prepare the concrete by abrading it with a grinder, but acid etching is less labor-intensive.
Step 1: Take muriatic acid or another etching acid.
Having to run out to the hardware store in the middle of your etching project is a serious pain, and you'll want to make sure you have enough acid to complete your project.hydrochloric acid is the most common type of acid used for this project.It's difficult to say how much acid a project will need because the acid is sold in different strengths.4 gallon of acid will cover about 50 to 70 square feet of concrete.There are other acids that can be used for etching.It is a good choice for first-timers because it is less caustic and dangerous than the other acids.If you don't know if you have the right acid, check the label on the package to see if it can be used for concrete etching.
Step 2: The concrete must be clear of obstructions.
All furniture, vehicles, and obstructions should be removed from the area you intend to treat.If you allow etching acids to remain in contact with common objects for a short period of time, they can permanently damage them, so have them out of the way by the time you start your project.You'll want to give the area a good cleaning.The acid needs to be able to react with every part of the concrete's surface.There are small pieces of debris that can interfere with the reaction.
Step 3: Deodorizing oil or grease can be done with degreaser.
If you're etching concrete in your garage or driveway, there's a chance that there may be oil or grease stains on the driveway from your vehicle.Concrete under an oil stain will go un-etched because Etching acids can't penetrate through oily substances.Commercial degreasing products are cheap and can be used to remove oil and grease stains.Try using ordinary laundry detergent.Degreasing your concrete surface can be done with detergents that are formulated to remove oil and grease.
Step 4: The entire area needs to be hosed down.
When your concrete is clean and clear, use a hose with a sprayer attachment to wet the entire surface of the concrete.When the concrete is wet, spread the water evenly across the surface.The concrete should be wet until the acid is applied.To minimize the chance of direct contact with the acid, be sure to wet the bottom inch or so.
Step 5: In 3 or 4 add water and acid to it.
Water can be added to a plastic bucket.Carefully pour your acid in, being careful not to cause spills or splashes.Acid can cause the container to be destroyed, so don't use a metal container.Acid can be poured into water.Water should be poured into acid.It can lead to disfiguring injuries if acid splashes back into your face.Basic acid safety measures should be observed from this point forward.Wear long sleeves, gloves, eye protection, and a face mask to protect against fumes.The safety section has more information.
Step 6: The mixture should be tested in a small area.
A 3:1 or 4:1 mixture of acid is a good strength for etching concrete.It's a good idea to test your mixture on a small, unimportant area of the concrete to make sure it works.The concrete has to be poured directly on to it.It should bubble and react if it's strong.If you don't see bubbles, you're probably not strong enough.Adding more acid is a good idea.
Step 7: You can distribute the acid with a sprayer or watering can.
If you want to leave some acid in the concrete, instead of pouring all of the acid onto one spot, use a plastic sprayer or watering can.This makes the application more even.The whole floor will receive an even coating if a squeegee is used immediately after spraying.You can use a floor machine to clean the floor.Acid etching requires the floor to stay wet.If you need to hose down areas that are drying out, don't let the acid dry on the floor.
Step 8: Wait for acid to react with the floor.
Step away from the floor and wait for the acid to stop bubbling when you're sure that it has been evenly applied.This usually takes about 15 minutes.As the acid reacts with the floor, it will open up small, porous holes in the concrete, making it much more accepting of your intended sealant.As the acid works, inspect the surface.The acid should be reacting uniformly across the surface.If there are spots where the acid isn't reacting, this can be a sign that a grease stain or sealant was present on the concrete.You may need to use a mechanical solution to finish etching the concrete.
Step 9: Remove dirt from the surface.
Check your acid's label, as many will require using a special neutralizing solution to stop the reaction of the acid, while others may "time out" on their own.If acids need a neutralizing solution, mix the neutralizer and distribute it throughout the floor according to the instructions on the packaging.If you want to make sure the entire surface has been neutralized, you'll need to use a floor machine or spray the neutralizer.If you want to make an all-purpose acid neutralizer, try mixing 1 cup of baking soda in 1 gallon of water.
Step 10: Make sure the floor is clean.
At this point, your concrete should be clean and shiny.You're ready to clean up.To get the rinse water into one area, use a broom or suck it up with a shop vacuum.If you want to properly dispose of acid, you need to read packaging instructions and add more baking soda.If you're working in a garage, you may be able to rinse your solution directly out of the garage and into a drain.You don't want to break the law or hurt the environment if you check your local regulations.
Step 11: Apply a sealant.
Many acid etching projects are carried out to prepare a concrete floor for the application of a synthetic epoxy or sealant.These sorts of products give the concrete a professional-looking sheen and also resist water, grease, oil, and other common spills, making the floor easy to maintain.In addition, using an anti-skid Additive in your sealant can give your garage or driveway surface the traction your vehicle needs to securely grip it in rain or snow.
Step 12: A stain or a pigment can be used.
Adding a stain to the concrete is a great way to make it look better.Stained concrete can give a modern look to a room.Stained concrete can be used to great effect in some outdoor spaces.
Step 13: The concrete has to be painted.
Concrete can be painted with brushes, rollers, or sprayers.It is less common to paint a concrete floor than it is to painting a wall or ceiling.For painted concrete floors, low-sheen paints are used, otherwise the floor can be shiny or wet.
Step 14: A shiny surface can be added with metal flakes.
Adding metal chips to the concrete can give it an appealing sparkling quality.In shopping malls and airport corridors, sparkling concrete floors can be used to give a lively look.
Step 15: Wear protective clothes.
The acids used for concrete etching should be handled with care.Caustic acid can cause chemical burns.If acid is splashed into the eyes, it can cause permanent blindness.Even if you're very experienced, it's important to wear protective gear when working with acid.Chemical safety glasses or goggles with face shield Gloves Long sleeves Close-toed shoes are some of the protective clothing you should wear.
Step 16: Don't breathe in the fumes of the acid.
muriatic acid can give off harmful fumes.These fumes can cause chemical burns if breathed in.It's possible to seriously hurt or even kill yourself if you breathe acid vapors.Ensure that your work area is well-ventilated at all times.You'll want to open any adjacent windows and use a fan to circulate the air in and out of your work area.If the acid's fumes are strong, use a breathing mask.
Step 17: The acid should be poured into the water.
This is an important rule of acid safety.When you mix acid and water, you pour it into the water.The acid is poured into the water.The liquid in the container can splash back into you if you pour it too quickly.If it's mostly water, you'll be fine.You can be in serious trouble if it's mostly acid.When working with acid, always observe this simple rule.It is possible to keep a second container with you while you work.If you accidentally pour acid into the first container, you can transfer the acid to the second container to fix the mistake.