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. In fact, proper preparation of the concrete before a coating is applied is the most important part.
Is muriatic acid good for etching concrete?
Muriatic acid is the type of acid that is typically used for etching concrete. It can be highly toxic so we recommend using the Hydro-Etch 1000, a specialized muriatic acid and phosphoric acid blend which has less fumes than regular muriatic acid and is used to clean concrete, brighten concrete and etch concrete.
How long after etching can you epoxy?
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 etch a concrete floor for epoxy?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: If the floor is fairly rough a little bit ruffled mix about 70 percent muriatic acid 30 percent water if it's either this floor is really really smooth.
What do you clean concrete with before epoxy?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Today we're going to show you how to prep your concrete floors before you apply an epoxy floor coating the first way I'm going to show you is with muriatic acid.
How do you prepare concrete for epoxy coating?
Prepping Your Concrete Floor
Before you apply any coating, you need a clean, dry floor without debris, moisture, cracks or holes. Give the area a thorough sweep. Clean up any grease stains with a degreaser and a stiff brush. You don’t need to remove all of the discoloration, just the greasy residue.
Does muriatic acid ruin concrete?
Mix your muriatic acid.
High concentrations of muriatic acid can etch concrete, glass, remove paint, dull chrome, and cause other issues. Below is a summary of how much to add to a gallon of water: Heavy cleaning: 3 ounces of muriatic acid to one gallon of water.
Do you need to neutralize muriatic acid on concrete?
If the pH is below 6.0, residual acid remains in the concrete pores and must be neutralized. A neutralizing solution of two pounds of sodium carbonate (aka baking soda) in five gallons of water or a strong ammonia solution will usually neutralize the concrete in one application.
How much muriatic acid do I need to etch concrete?
Grab muriatic acid or another suitable etching acid.
In very general terms, 1⁄4 gallon (0.9 L) of acid (when properly diluted) will cover about 50-70 square feet of concrete (about 4.5-6.5 square meters). Other suitable acids for etching include phosphoric acid and sulfamic acid.
Does acid etching work for epoxy?
If done properly, acid etching can provide a satisfactory surface for an epoxy coating to adhere to. It is fairly easy to do as long as you are safe.
Will muriatic acid dissolve epoxy?
Never use muriatic acid for anything to do with a tile, let alone for trying to remove epoxy film. Acid will not attack epoxy resins. Epoxy removers are normally paint removers. Also goof-off is a type of remover that will remove epoxy.
How long should muriatic acid sit on concrete?
eight to 10 minutes
Brush or spray the acid solution on the concrete, wait eight to 10 minutes, then neutralize the acid by spraying the surface with a mixture of one cup of ammonia in one gallon of water. Kill Mold—Use muriatic acid to kill stubborn mold and mildew on hard surfaces, such as brick, tile, concrete, and stone.
Do you have to clean concrete before epoxy?
Before Applying Epoxy
It is essential that you clean your floor thoroughly. If you’re working on a concrete base, fill in any cracks or patch areas that need care before you start to clean. Once the damages, if any, have been repaired, it’s time to clean.
What does etching do to concrete?
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.
Can you epoxy over dirty concrete?
The floor must be thoroughly cleaned. Any grease, oil, or dirt left on the floor will prevent the epoxy resin from bonding with the concrete. Once clean, the floor must also be given enough time to dry.
Can I sand concrete instead of etching?
In our experience, the simple answer is no. While acid etching is better than doing nothing to profile the concrete, it simple does not work as well as a floor grind. There are a wide range of concrete types, varying in composition, hardness levels, and texture–meaning there isn’t a one size fits all solution.
How do you clean floors before applying epoxy?
For the best results, complete a thorough cleaning and acid-etching before applying the epoxy paint.
- Tape a plastic bag to the floor for 24 hours. …
- Scrape hard debris from the cement floor with a flat shovel or scraper.
How do you clean a garage before epoxy?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The first step is to clean the surface with an alkaline detergent cleaner and commercial degreaser such as dura prep 125. For optimal results use the detergent in combination with a steam cleaner.
How do you clean concrete before coating?
Clean the Area
To remove any stains or grease, use a heavy-duty detergent until the surface is free from stains. Be sure to remove any old paint as well to get the best results. Pressure washing can be a good option to ensure that you’ve gotten the best clean possible.
Do I need to prime my garage floor before epoxy?
Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: And let's go straight to the first reason and the most important reason you want the air poxy to stick to the floor. So by priming you will increase the chances of bonding.
