The answer to this question is a resounding yes – you absolutely must etch concrete before applying epoxy. If you don’t, the two substances will not bond correctly, and your finished project will be less than satisfactory. Concrete etching creates a rough surface that provides something for the epoxy to grip onto, ensuring a strong adhesive bond.
Do you need to etch concrete before painting?
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.
How do you prepare a concrete floor for epoxy coating?
Concrete floors require preparation before applying an epoxy coating system. The preparation usually involves cleaning the surface to remove oil and other unwanted contaminants and "profiling" the concrete by etching with acid or by mechanical abrasion (ie; shot-blasting or etching with a diamond grinder).
What is the purpose of etching a concrete floor?
Etching the surface of the floor opens the pores in the concrete again to improve the paint adhering to the concrete, especially on smooth, glossy surfaces that may repel the paint. Shot blasting and acid etching are the two methods commonly used to prepare the surface for painting.
How do you acid etch a concrete floor?
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. If done properly, the etched concrete will feel like 80- to 100-grit sandpaper.
What happens if you don't etch concrete before epoxy?
New concrete must be etched before applying the epoxy. The smooth surface of unaltered concrete won't bind with other materials, such as epoxy or paint. As a result, epoxy will peel and lift away, failing to adhere to the surface.
What happens if concrete is not etched?
If you choose to skip the etching step before applying the paint, the paint may bubble up, peel or flake off the concrete, especially on smoothly finished surfaces, leaving the surface more unsightly than before you painted.
How do you etch concrete before epoxy?
0:4813:13Epoxy Floor Acid Etching. Step 1 To Epoxy A Garage Floor ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProcess so the first step of this process is actually going to be using a muratic acid to actuallyMoreProcess so the first step of this process is actually going to be using a muratic acid to actually etch this floor to get it rough enough.
How clean should concrete be before epoxy?
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.
How do you prepare concrete for epoxy?
InstructionsClean and Degrease the Floor. Use a broom and wet-dry vacuum to clean debris from the floor. ... Etch the Concrete. Etch the concrete floor using the etching solution provided in the epoxy coating kit, following the manufacturer's directions. ... Prepare the Room. ... Mix the Epoxy. ... Apply the Epoxy. ... Let the Garage Floor Dry.
Does epoxy stick to concrete?
Most epoxy glues for concrete come as two-part systems consisting of an epoxy resin and a hardener. When equal volumes of the resin and hardener are mixed, they react to produce a tough, rigid, high-strength bond. You can use epoxy resin for concrete to repair, fill, bond, and rebuild concrete surfaces.
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.
Do I need to prep new concrete for 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.
Can you seal concrete without etching?
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 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.
What is the best way to etch concrete?
0:332:06Cleaning & Etching Your Concrete - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipArea after dispersing the solution use a stiff bristled broom to scrub the edge and clean over theMoreArea after dispersing the solution use a stiff bristled broom to scrub the edge and clean over the concrete aggressively use the broom over any stubborn stains to make sure they are removed.
Do you really need to etch concrete before painting?
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.
Is etching concrete necessary before staining?
Schmidt also warns against acid etching of floors before staining. A lot of people think they need to acid etch the concrete like they do before applying a paint or coating, to get the paint to adhere. But acid washing depletes the lime content, which is what the minerals in the acid stain react with.
What does concrete etch do?
Etching (or washing) concrete with a liquid etch solution opens the pores of the concrete to prepare the surface for the next treatment. This allows the coating to better penetrate and adhere to the surface, providing a better, longer lasting finish.
What does acid etching do to concrete?
Acid etching involves allowing the reaction of a dilute hydrochloric acid solution with the concrete surface, then rinsing off with water. The acid chemically reacts with surface laitance1, dissolving it and allowing it and other water-soluble contaminants to be washed away.
Why is acid etching not recommended?
Most concrete contractors are no longer recommending acid etching because of its effect on health and the environment. Instead of etching, sandblasting or grinding is a great way to remove any contaminants on the surface of the concrete slab and to open its pores as well.
What to do if you need concrete work done?
If you should have concrete work done in your property, make sure to choose a contractor who uses a safer yet effective surface preparation method. It is important to ask them how they plan to prepare the surface. If they mention acid etching, ask if they could use an alternative method instead.
Why is concrete coating bad?
Although it is common to blame the coating for being low-quality, it is actually the concrete that failed. Concrete may contain laitance or contaminants that hinder a coating from supposedly sticking on the surface. This is why it is important to prepare the surface well prior to resurfacing.
What is acid etching?
Acid etching is used to extrude and fabricate concrete. It is effective in reducing the color variation, creating a more uniform color. Etching can be used to smoothen out a concrete surface. It opens the pores of a concrete slab, enhancing adhesion.
Is acid etching bad for concrete?
Disadvantages of Acid Etching. Results are inconsistent since not all concretes are the same. It can damage the concrete slab when it is over-etched or under-etched. Since an acid is used, it is dangerous for both humans and the environment.
How do I acid etch concrete?
Wear protective gear when acid etching your concrete floor. Etching is normally a two-person operation with one person applying the acid and the other working the floor machine. Work in 150-square-foot sections, rinsing the sections thoroughly with water followed by a neutralizer and more water. The acid solution is corrosive to aluminum and painted metal. Protect aluminum doors and other metal objects during the etching process. Allow the floor to dry completely before painting, waiting a couple of days if necessary.
What is the best way to paint concrete?
Etching. Etching the surface of the floor opens the pores in the concrete again to improve the paint adhering to the concrete, especially on smooth, glossy surfaces that may repel the paint. Shot blasting and acid etching are the two methods commonly used to prepare the surface for painting.
How long does it take for concrete to cure before painting?
Paint does not adhere to fresh concrete. Allow the concrete to cure at temperatures of at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 30 days.
Does acid etching remove salts?
In addition to creating a rough surface for the paint to adhere to, acid etching removes salts from the surface and neutralizes the pH level of the concrete, factors that prevent the paint from sticking to the concrete. If you choose to skip the etching step before applying the paint, the paint may bubble up, peel or flake off the concrete, especially on smoothly finished surfaces, leaving the surface more unsightly than before you painted.
Is acid corrosive to aluminum?
The acid solution is corrosive to aluminum and painted metal. Protect aluminum doors and other metal objects during the etching process. Allow the floor to dry completely before painting, waiting a couple of days if necessary. Advertisement.
Can you paint a crack in concrete?
Painting hides the blemishes from repairing cracks in the concrete. Painting is one way to spruce up your drab basement, patio or porch concrete floor. Hide the blemish left behind after repairing a crack or just add color to the space with concrete paint. However, concrete is a difficult surface to paint unless it is properly prepared.
What is the best way to paint concrete?
Email Print. 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.
How do I clean a concrete floor?
Step 1: Clean the concrete. Power wash concrete and make sure it is free from dirt, dust and debris. Step 2: Remove oil stains using a powerful degreaser such as Seal-Krete Oil Stain Remover. Paint will not stick to oily concrete, so be sure that any grease and oil stains are cleaned as thoroughly as possible. Step 3: Apply etching solution.
What is acid etching?
Acid etching involves the application of acid to remove the top surface of the concrete floor. This method is good enough to prepare the floor for the application of protective coating especially if you are thinking of a DIY project or new concrete. Acid etching can expose the pores of the concrete under ideal circumstances ...
Can you acid etch a garage floor?
Acid etching a garage floor is a great solution for those who are installing the floor themselves and do not have access to industrial grinders. However, for larger commercial jobs, older concrete, or worn floors we always recommend grinding before epoxy installation.
Can acid etching remove glue?
Acid etching can expose the pores of the concrete under ideal circumstances but it won’t remove glues, caulks, mastics, and other common stains. If your floor is stained by any of these substances, you will need to clean the floor first to remove them.
Is acid etching better than power washing?
Acid etching is a better option than power washing but it doesn’t give the same results as grinding. Anyone with a decent commercial floor paint product and a little DIY skill can coat a garage floor and get a great end result.
