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 concrete indoors.
It can also damage concrete if etching is not done properly.
The acid in the stain lightly etches the surface allowing the metallic salts to penetrate more easily.
Then mix 3 or 4 parts water with 1 part muriatic or hydrochloric acid in a plastic bucket.
Acid etching is the process of applying hydrochloric muriatic or buffered phosphoric acid to a slab then rinsing it off with water.
The palette for acid etch staining is generally limited to earthy tones such as tans browns terra cottas and soft blue greens.
Acid etching is done to prep a concrete floor before applying the coating.
Muriatic hydrochloric acid and similar acids are effective but present health and environmental risks including dangerous splashes toxic fumes and corrosive run off.
You roughen such a floor by etching it with muriatic acid.
Muriatic acid acts like liquid sandpaper by roughening the surface of the concrete.
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.
Use a sprayer or watering can to evenly distribute that acid and let it sit for 2 15 minutes or until it stops bubbling.
Proper handling is imperative because the acid is in liquid form.
It also reduces the surface alkalinity of the concrete that can cause some paints to adhere poorly.
Concrete acid etching is commonly done on indoor and outdoor slabs or floors in basements garages factories warehouses driveways sidewalks pool decks and patios.
When you acid etch concrete wear long sleeves gloves eye protection and a face mask to protect yourself from stray acid.
