Acid Etching Concrete Indoors

Once the stain reacts it becomes a permanent part of the concrete and won t fade chip off or peel away.

Acid etching concrete indoors.

It also reduces the surface alkalinity of the concrete that can cause some paints to adhere poorly. Acid etching is the process of applying hydrochloric muriatic or buffered phosphoric acid to a slab then rinsing it off with water. Muriatic hydrochloric acid and similar acids are effective but present health and environmental risks including dangerous splashes toxic fumes and corrosive run off. The acid in the stain lightly etches the surface allowing the metallic salts to penetrate more easily.

The palette for acid etch staining is generally limited to earthy tones such as tans browns terra cottas and soft blue greens. For many years it was a standard method of concrete preparation used by nearly all industrial commercial and institutional floor coating installers depending on the floor size and system to be installed. Concrete acid etching is commonly done on indoor and outdoor slabs or floors in basements garages factories warehouses driveways sidewalks pool decks and patios. Proper handling is imperative because the acid is in liquid form.

Muriatic acid acts like liquid sandpaper by roughening the surface of the concrete. Use a sprayer or watering can to evenly distribute that acid and let it sit for 2 15 minutes or until it stops bubbling. You roughen such a floor by etching it with muriatic acid. A smooth concrete floor must be roughened before paint will stick to it.

When you acid etch concrete wear long sleeves gloves eye protection and a face mask to protect yourself from stray acid. It is not hard to do but there are safety measures to consider in its handling and application since hydrochloric acid has potentially harmful effects on the installer s health and on the environment. Acid etching is done to prep a concrete floor before applying the coating.