The acid washing of concrete is a requirement after the concrete has cured sufficiently, in order to remove surface efflorescence and to open the pores before sealing. This will help the sealer to penetrate and result in a superior bond between the sealer and the surface.
Be sure and remove any residue left behind if using our acid stain, then apply sealer. Don't seal too soon as there could be moisture in the floor and hazing can occur. A good rule of thumb is to wait 24 hours time after any water has been applied to the floor before sealing.
DON'T etch floors with muriatic acid solutions before staining, in efforts to improve stain penetration. Acid washing depletes the lime content in the concrete, which is what the minerals in the acid stain react with to develop color.
Next, you need to open up your concrete so that it's ready to absorb the sealant you apply to it. If your concrete patio is smooth — most are — then it's vital that you etch it before you apply your sealant.
Clean the concrete with a solution of Concrete Cleaner & Degreaser and water. Observe after cleaning whether water is beading up over any oil spill area. If there is no indication of a spill that needs attention, rinse the concrete thoroughly, allow it to dry, and proceed with staining.
As well as keeping out moisture, this will also help seal any cracks that may be present, a win-win. Almost there. Like painting drywall, concrete needs to be primed, and the type of primer you use will depend on whether you are painting interior or exterior concrete.
Wait at least 30 days before sealing a new concrete surface—whether indoors or out—so that it has time to completely cure first. For the best results, the concrete surface should be clean and dry. That means no rain should be in the week's forecast if you're working outdoors on a patio, bench, or sidewalk.
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. This will cause scaling, pitting, peeling, and cracking.
Concrete Cleaning and Sealing: DIY vs.
DIY is certainly the cheaper option; homeowners will typically spend between $0.20 and $0.75 per square foot when cleaning and sealing concrete themselves, whereas that cost increases to between $1.20 and $1.75 per square foot when left to a professional.
Oil leaks, blood, and sticky residues can absorb and result in stubborn stains. However, using a driveway sealant after pressure washing can help prevent these stains from becoming permanent features in your driveway.
The easiest way to remove a concrete sealer is to begin by acid etching the surface of the concrete with muriatic acid. This process can be dangerous if you are unfamiliar with it; however, it is well within the ability of any ordinary homeowner, as long as the proper care is taken.
Start by saturating the stained concrete surface with a product like ProClean Neutralizer™. This helps neutralize the acid stain and prepares the surface for thorough cleaning. 2. Gently scrub the neutralizer into the concrete using a soft nylon bristle brush, taking care to wear your spiked shoes during this process.
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.
Concrete can be described as a hard sponge that soaks up oil and water-based spills. Easily marked by tires and outdoor elements, it is important to seal the surface, so it looks beautiful year-round. The other benefit to sealing concrete is improved cleaning and maintenance.
An unsealed concrete floor is going to be more reactive and sensitive to changes in temperature. It will freeze in cold climates and expand in warm ones. This can cause crumbling, chipping, and cracking.
You can seal existing concrete at any time and on multiple occasions. Sealing your old concrete can assist in restoring its appearance. For existing slabs, make sure to clean the surface before applying another sealer.
Concrete sealers are best applied in two thin coats. The first coat of sealer acts like a primer. Most of it will disappear into the concrete surface, and the concrete will probably look fairly unattractive after the first coat. The second thin coat will provide an even finish, color enhancement and gloss.
The order which you apply stains and sealants varies on what you're currently working with. For the best performance, we recommend stain first, seal second, and apply Advance Topcoat third. This will provide the best protection of your home.
It is best to apply two or even three thin coats, allowing each coat to dry between applications. This will prevent puddling that can create uneven coverage. Overlap the areas as you apply the sealer to ensure full coverage.
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.
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 curing of the concrete and the drying of the acid stain are critical. For newly installed concrete, a minimum of 14 days of cure time is required, preferably 21 before an acid stain is applied. Once cured, you can use an acid stain. After the stain is applied, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours.