How To Etch Concrete Basement Floor

Remove all furniture equipment and objects from the concrete floor you are going to be etching sweep up or shop vacuum any dust and dirt.

How to etch concrete basement floor.

When the acid etch solution stops foaming you can begin rinsing. Don t skip this step if you want a long lasting painted concrete floor. The concrete must remain damp during the etching process. Use a sprayer or watering can to evenly distribute that acid and let it sit for 2 15 minutes or until it stops bubbling.

Etching depends on the type of flooring. To prevent dry spots divide a large surface into smaller areas and etch them one at a time. The floor should be examined carefully afterward and if the texture still appears smooth the process needs to be repeated until the floor has a sandpaper like quality to it. Mix 1 part acid to 3 parts water for sufficient strength.

The concrete etching solution can be poured out distributed using a squeegee and agitated the surface using a push broom. After 20 minutes the solution needs to be rinsed off the floor and allowed to dry. Paint will not stick to oily concrete so be sure that any grease and oil stains are cleaned as thoroughly as possible. Professionals recommend testing the strength needed on one area before applying it on the entire garage floor.

The concrete etching solution should be spread on a small area of the floor with a long handled brush. Clean the surface thoroughly removing dirt oil grease and any other substances that may prevent the paint from adhering to the concrete. Apply the mixture to a small area of concrete. Keep the acid etch solution on until it stops foaming.

When you acid etch concrete wear long sleeves gloves eye protection and a face mask to protect yourself from stray acid. Acid etching is the process of applying hydrochloric muriatic or buffered phosphoric acid to a slab then rinsing it off with water. Dampen the surface to be etched with clean water. Remove all oils and greases prior to etching this can be done by using a degreaser laundry detergent or dawn concentrated dish soap.

Test with a 5 1 ratio in your water can. Use a prime first that s going to help cover any spots and make it look uniform. Fill holes and cracks with a cement patching compound. Paint does not adhere to fresh concrete.

If it s cement as most basements are you just paint over it. Then mix 3 or 4 parts water with 1 part muriatic or hydrochloric acid in a plastic bucket. Power wash concrete and make sure it is free from dirt dust and debris. The concrete should be uniformly wet.

Avoid puddles or dry spots. Hose down the entire area you are going to be etching. 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. These will affect the etching process.