H & C® Etching Solution
H & C® Concrete Etching Solution is a phosphoric acid-based solution that opens the pores in the concrete so H & C® Concrete Stains and sealers can bond properly with the substrate.
Where to Use
- Patios/walkways
- Pool decks
- Concrete driveways
- Garage floors
- Block and stucco walls
- Retaining walls
Key Advantages
H & C® Etching Solution removes efflorescence (alkali salts) and can also reduce the pH level of new concrete and new mortar joints. As a phosphoric acid-based solution, it is user-friendly and won't harm plants or vegetation should it come in contact with it. Simply spray any surrounding vegetation with water so the Etching Solution can roll off. This product is also safe to use indoors (basement floors, interior concrete floors), should the project warrant it.
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Product Supplies
- Stiff broom
- Plastic sprinkling can
- Garden hose with a pressure nozzle
- A piece of dark cloth
- A piece of 120-grit sandpaper.
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Product Preparation
*Do not permit contact with eyes or skin. Avoid prolonged breathing of vapors
*Do not use on asphalt
Remove all surface contamination, like grease, oil or rust, with a suitable cleaner such as H&C® De-Greaser or a liquid rust remover. For horizontal applications, after surface prep, sweep the surface with a stiff broom to remove any remaining residue. Apply H&C® Concrete Etching Solution on 10'x10' sections at a time. -
Product Application
For surfaces that have a slight texture or broom finish, mix 1 part etching solution to 2 parts water in your plastic sprinkling can. Caution: make sure to always pour the etching solution into the water so the etching solution doesn't splash on you.
For very smooth surfaces, use the product full strength-do not thin.
Use your hose to dampen the surface with clean water. Sprinkle the solution evenly on your surface-one gallon covers about 75-100 square feet of surface space. Agitate the surface with a stiff brush until the bubbling stops,* which should be after about 10 minutes. Rinse the surface two or three times with clean water after using the etching mixture, and scrub the surface while rinsing to remove any loosened material.
Rinsing is very critical-use a power washer if you have one. If not, use your hose with a pressure nozzle. After rinsing, rub a small area with a dark cloth. If any residue shows, repeat the rinsing process until the cloth rubs clean. Your surface should now have a texture similar to 120-grit sandpaper-compare the feel of the surface to your piece of sandpaper. If it doesn't have a similar texture, you will have to repeat the etching process.
Allow the surface to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before applying your coating. Before applying your coating, make sure the surface is clean by sweeping it with a clean, stiff broom to remove any remaining residue.
*If no bubbling occurs, this means the surface is still contaminated with grease, oil or a concrete treatment, all of which interfere with proper etching. Remove the contamination with a suitable cleaner or chemical stripper, then etch the surface.
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Etching Solution view MSDS
