Summary of A quick guide to acid washing.
- Can you acid wash concrete yourself?
- Do you have to seal concrete after acid washing?
- What acid is best to clean concrete?
- Can you walk on concrete after an acid wash?
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AI Overview
AI Overview
Acid washing concrete involves
applying a diluted solution of muriatic acid to etch the surface, removing laitance, dirt, and oil to prepare it for coatings or to create a textured finish. It is commonly used on new, fully cured concrete (at least 4 weeks old) or to clean exterior surfaces. Essential steps include wearing protective gear, diluting the acid (often 1:7 with water), scrubbing, and neutralizing to prevent damage.
Steps to Acid Wash Concrete
Preparation: Clean the surface with soap and water to remove dirt and oils. Ensure the concrete is clean and, in many cases, lightly dampened.
Dilution & Application: Dilute muriatic acid (e.g., 1 part acid to 7-10 parts water) in a plastic watering can or sprayer
. Apply the solution to the concrete
.
Action: The acid will fizz and etch the surface for 5-10 minutes.
Neutralization: Thoroughly rinse the area with water and apply a neutralizing agent (like baking soda or a specialized cleaner) to ensure all acid is neutralized.
Cleanup: Rinse the surface again thoroughly.
This video demonstrates how to safely apply acid to concrete:
1m
BuildersSA
YouTube • Jul 13, 2021
Key Considerations
When to Acid Wash: Use for cleaning, removing laitance on new concrete, or opening pores for sealers/stains. It should not be used on sealed, painted, or highly polished concrete.
Safety & Risks: Muriatic acid is highly corrosive, producing toxic fumes and risks of severe irritation. Always wear goggles, rubber gloves, and a respirator.
Alternatives: If the concrete is severely damaged, damaged, or already sealed, consider grinding instead of acid washing.
New Concrete: New concrete should be cured for at least 4 weeks before acid washing.
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Why should I acid wash?
The acid washing of concrete is a requirement after the concrete has cured sufficiently. This is 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.
Floors that are acid washed before sealing will have greater colour enhancement and will appear darker than floors that have not been acid washed.
Acid washing is a critical process and should be approached with care and carried out in a controlled way. The correct protective clothing and safety gear should be worn whilst acid washing.
HOW TO ACID WASH :
See below Acid to Water mixing ratios. Acid should never be applied without being diluted with water first.
All concrete to be acid washed must be free of previous sealers, paint treatments, oil, grass, overhanging plants, soil etc.
Prior to acid washing, the concrete should be thoroughly saturated using a hose or watering can. Ensure that the acid solution is poured on wet surfaces only. If the concrete dries during the acid washing process, it should be wet again before applying acid to the surface.
The acid washing process is better managed with the Involvement of two people. Whilst one person pours the acid solution out of the watering can, the second person brooms the surface in a circular motion to spread the acid whilst it is reacting with the surface.
A bubbling/foaming reaction is evidence of the reaction between the acid and the concrete surface. No areas should be missed, ensuring that the reaction is visible over the entire surface. Avoid walking on areas that have been worked already. The acid stops reacting with the concrete after approximately 30 seconds so there is no need to scrub the surfaces for too long.
On completion of the acid washing and before the reacted acid is allowed to dry, the area should be flushed well with water, ensuring that all the neutralised acid is removed from the surface.
CONCRETE SHOULD BE 100% DRY BEFORE SEALING