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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 I seal concrete without etching?
But etching products work only if the concrete is clean and not already coated. You could easily spot paint if the concrete were coated with that, but sealer, which would also keep paint from sticking, might be invisible. However, the etching step needs to come after you clean the concrete.
How do you prepare new concrete for sealing?
Prep the Surface Step 1: Clean the Surface. First, thoroughly sweep the surface of all dirt and debris. Step 3: Mop and Dry. After the stains have been removed, mop with floor cleaner and water. Step 4: Fill Cracks. Any cracks or pitting will need to be filled in before applying the sealer.
Does concrete need to be etched?
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.
Should you acid etch new concrete?
Why Acid Etching Is No Longer Recommended as a Concrete Prep Method. The longevity of a coating partly depends on how well it adheres to the surface of the concrete. The best adhesion requires a clean floor, free of laitance and contaminants.
Does vinegar etch concrete?
Etching – Vinegar’s ability to dissolve CaCO3 will dull your marble, travertine, concrete and terrazzo surfaces. It may “clean” the surface but it is also dissolving pits into the finish and effectively dulling it. This will affect marble, travertine, concrete and concrete terrazzo surfaces.
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.
Is it better to spray or roll concrete sealer?
For large scale applications sprayers are faster and more efficient; whereas paint rollers are less expensive and are more readily available. If you are going to be applying a decorative acrylic sealer or an epoxy floor coating it is best to use a 1/4″ or 3/8 nap roller.
How long does it take for concrete sealer smell to go away?
The smell of concrete sealer will go away in a few hours to a few days at most when you apply the right amount of sealer in the right atmospheric conditions and ventilate the space well enough during the drying period.
How long do you have to stay off concrete after sealing?
While you can walk on the concrete sealed with a Siliconate sealer shortly after being sealed, the concrete should remain dry for 36 hours after being sealed to allow the sealer to fully react.
What should concrete look like after etching?
After etching, the surface of the concrete should have a uniform texture like that of sandpaper. Repeat the etching process on any smooth spots.
Can you etch sealed concrete?
The easiest way to remove a concrete sealer is to begin by acid etching the surface of the concrete with muriatic acid. Next, you have to neutralize the acid before washing down the concrete surface for a final time. The acid etching process will remove the old concrete sealer completely from the concrete slab.
How soon can you etch new concrete?
Never clean a new concrete pad until at least one month of curing time has been allowed at minimum. After all the water has been removed, the pad should have at least 48 hours of drying time before you apply any etching to the surface. If the weather is particularly humid, wait up to 72 hours for best results.
How long should muriatic acid sit on concrete?
To clean and etch concrete, mix one part muriatic acid to 10 parts water. Brush or spray the acid solution on the concrete, wait eight to 10 minutes, then neutralize the acid by spraying the surface with a mixture of one cup of ammonia in one gallon of water.
Can muriatic acid damage concrete?
It is also highly unpredictable and unreliable causing the surface to be under- or over-etched and uneven. The muriatic acid used on concrete and bricks is extremely caustic which means it can burn the skin of the installer. It also has fumes that can burn the lungs. Over time the concrete starts to fall apart.
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.
Why did my concrete sealer turned white?
Sealer Turned A White or Cloudy Color A white or cloudy color is caused by moisture that is trapped inside the sealer. However, if it’s too hot and too humid, then also it’s possible the sealer surface could dry faster than the moisture can escape. The sealer was applied too thick.
Does white vinegar clean concrete?
White vinegar and a little scrubbing with a brush is a very effective, eco-friendly way to remove rust stains from concrete—even those that are decades old. Pour the white vinegar directly onto the stain, allow the liquid to penetrate the area for 20 minutes, and scrub with a stiff-bristled brush.
Will straight bleach harm concrete?
Bleach is safe to use on concrete. When applied to concrete, bleach does not harm the sturdy material. It also disinfects concrete. When using bleach, work in a well-ventilated area because the fumes from bleach can be overwhelming.
