The instructions with most acid stains (as well as
When pavers, concrete or bricks lose their original beauty and dirt becomes embedded in the surface and before you seal your patio or driveway for the first time, it is necessary to acid wash your product. PREMIER-ACID-WASH makes this process simple and easy with clear instructions to follow.
Worse than the inadequacies of the acid wash process are the dangers of it. Over time, it can destroy concrete as the acid weakens its structure.
To clean and etch concrete, mix one part muriatic acid to 10 parts water. 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.
The instructions with most acid stains (as well as concrete sealers and coatings) say to wait at least 28 days after pouring a slab before finishing it, with some recommending as long as 60 days.
Muriatic acid can create a hot spot of acid in the water that could potentially burn or irritate your skin. It is best to wait 30 minutes after adding it to your pool. We recommend waiting at least 15 minutes to swim after adding algaecide to your swimming pool. Most algaecides are perfectly safe to swim with.
High concentrations of muriatic acid can etch concrete, glass, remove paint, dull chrome, and cause other issues.
Acid stains penetrate the porous concrete through a chemical reaction. The acid in the stain reacts with the concrete lime and inorganic metal salts. This chemical reaction creates a permanent color change.
The most common acids used to clean concrete and bricks are hydrochloric acid (muriatic) or phosphoric acid. For many years it has been the standard cleaning method to prepare concrete for coatings installations, to remove stains of any type from concrete and to remove concrete slurry or efflorescence from bricks.
If your concrete has been newly poured, make sure to wait until it has fully cured. The curing process, if done correctly, typically takes around thirty days to properly dry and set to its full strength.
Acid-Based Stains
An acid-based stain costs between $0.20 and $0.40 per square foot on average or a total of $2 to $14.50 per square foot with labor. Acid-based stains chemically react with your concrete flooring, giving a natural appearance.
You can swim in the pool after an acid wash, but you need to wait for two hours after the acid washing process.
Alkaline cleaners are great for lifting oil stains, grease stains, and other petroleum-based stains from concrete. It's an added benefit that you can use it with a pressure washer, making the job that much easier. For an eco-friendly cleaner, we recommend Oil Eater cleaner degreaser (US$15.74, Amazon).
Add 1 part of 33% hydrochloric acid to 2 parts water to make a 10% solution. Always add acid to water and wear eye protection, acid proof gloves and all other appropriate protective equipment. 4. Apply liberally to cover the floor using a large watering can.
Safer Alternatives to Acid Etching Concrete
The best alternative to prepping a concrete slab for an epoxy coating application is called mechanical grinding. Concrete grinding is when you utilize concrete equipment that is equipped with grinding tools (or discs) to remove the smooth top layer of a concrete slab.
Though new concrete may not always require a second coat of acid stain, older concrete does require two coats of stain for complete coverage. For a more diffuse look, spray the stain onto the surface without brushing.
The reason for washing the residue is to neutralize the acid. So long as you properly neutralize and rinse the concrete well a couple of times, it should be fine. Note: If you do not properly neutralize the stain, then the sealer will lose it's bond, which will then have to be stripped and re-applied.
To help prevent this, it's a good idea to slightly dampen the surface of the concrete before applying the acid stain. This will help ensure that the stain has enough moisture to react properly with the concrete.
Muriatic acid is strong enough to etch concrete, but it can also cause severe injury and/or damage property when used improperly. Always wear protective clothing, rubber gloves, boots and goggles or a face shield when handling acid. Avoid breathing acid vapors.
Muriatic acid: mix 3 to 4 parts water with 1 part acid, or follow label instructions for a 10% concentration (15% for hard, smooth concrete).
Start by mixing up a solution of 1 part muriatic acid to 10 parts water in a bucket or spray bottle and soak the stained area. Wait about 10 minutes and then spray the area with a solution of 1 cup of ammonia to 1 gallon of water to neutralize the acid.
Never shock the pool immediately after adding muriatic acid to the water.
Like any strong acid, muriatic acid can irritate your skin (prolonged exposure can even cause burns). Gloves will help you avoid direct contact. If you do get muriatic acid on your skin, wash the area with clean water right away (it's a good idea to keep a garden hose or a bucket of clean water nearby).
If your pH reading is above 7.8 and you have a 15,000-gallon pool, start by adding 1 quart (1/4 gallon) of muriatic acid. Then after letting the acid circulate for one hour, retest your levels. If you have a smaller pool, start by adding one cup of muriatic acid at a time. Wait for one hour, then add more as needed.