Do I Need To Acid Wash New Concrete Before Sealing

The surface of the concrete should have been neutralized after acid staining with a solution of 1 2 pound baking soda mixed with 5 gallons of water.

Do i need to acid wash new concrete before sealing.

The longevity of a coating partly depends on how well it adheres to the surface of the concrete. You can also use acid in weaker concentrations to remove white mineral deposits efflorescence and heavy grime. By sophia daukus on february 7th 2018 in environment regs installation technical. Driveways pavement concrete that has been weathered for years may already have the shiny top layer removed naturally and all it needs is a good clean with a water jet to prepare it.

Flooring solutions will eventually fail due to the weakened structure of the concrete from the effects of the acid. Acid washing also known as acid etching prepares a concrete surface to accept a sealer. Because the profiler a muriatic acid in a gel form lays on the surface of the concrete without absorbing into the cement. Acid washing is dangerous for people plants and metal objects especially indoors where fumes can concentrate.

The concrete surface preparation is very important. For acid etching a muriatic hydrochloric acid solution is spread on the concrete and brushed across the surface with a floor machine equipped with nylogrit brush used for etching and then is rinsed away. To clean concrete before sealing the surface needs to be free of any contaminants and be porous to allow the sealer to key into the concrete. Muratic acid is not expensive and adding it to water is a 5 to 10 solution will make a better bonding surface.

New cement can be almost as bad as older cement because the surface has a fair amount of material that will flake off and not be as strong as a surface that has been etched. You will need to use an acid based solution like muriatic acid to rough up the surface if the top of the concrete is still smooth. It is highly recommended that if you are preparing your concrete floor for a coating sealing flooring of any type or polishing that you do not use acid to etch the concrete. If done properly the etched concrete will feel like 80 to 100 grit sandpaper.

Prep your concrete before you seal. The easiest and most effective way to clean the concrete will vary depending on the condition of your concrete and whether it has been treated with chemical stains. Let the surface of the concrete completely dry before installing tile.