Q&A for How to Acid Etch Concrete

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Question

Can I etch a painted concrete floor?

Community Answer

No. The object of etching the concrete with muriatic acid and water is to have the liquid come into contact with the substrate. If the substrate is sealed with a paint, the liquid cannot reach the intended target.

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Question

Can I acid etch concrete that has been sealed with a concrete sealer?

Community Answer

If you have properly applied the concrete sealer, the only thing that will be affected is the sealer. However, if you strip the surface of the concrete of the sealer, you would be able to etch the concrete.

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Question

After using an etcher on the outside, how long is it effective before using a paint coating?

Community Answer

The acid etched surface will remain porous and ready for coatings or sealers indefinitely until you're ready to finish.

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Question

Can I mix stain with the acid to create a design, rather than staining after I etch?

Community Answer

The acid will render the stain useless on a basic molecular structure.

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Question

Do I need to etch new concrete before I seal it?

Community Answer

Yes. Test the absorbency of a concrete floor by dropping a couple of small beads of water on the floor. If the floor was dry beforehand but the beads do not get absorbed quickly, the floor needs etching.

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Question

After etching a foundation wall to accept veneer stone, how long do the pores "stay open" to accept the mortar to attach the stone? In other words, how soon does the veneer have to be attached after the wall has been etched.months? Weeks? Days?

Community Answer

Once it's etched it remains good for a long time provided you don't clog the pores up somehow eg by spraying it with water seal or painting it or perhaps just by getting it dirty.

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Question

Do I wait days or weeks before I start the etching process when I have just laid the self leveling compound today in my garage?

Community Answer

Allow newly poured concrete to cure for a minimum of 28 days before etching.

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