acid etching concrete - in finished garage

[gjuk]

Hi guys,

UK based but I'm looking to prep my slab now for paint.

I should have acid etched the slab before the garage was built but it is on now, all finished and comprises of painted metal cladding panels - which I'd rather not eat away with acid at this stage.

Is there an acid type that is safe for painted metal items, but that will key up the concrete?

I have very lightly ground the concrete but there is still the creamy slag at the top of the concrete which is not good to paint to.

Thanks,

 

[Shea]

If it's just paint and not a coating, you will be fine if you use a citrus based concrete etching solution. These are low in V.O.C.'s and can commonly be found in home improvement centers. They don't contain muriatic acid and there are no fumes. Just scrub good while it's on the floor in order to help remove any concrete laitance.

 

[gjuk]

If it's just paint and not a coating, you will be fine if you use a citrus based concrete etching solution. These are low in V.O.C.'s and can commonly be found in home improvement centers. They don't contain muriatic acid and there are no fumes. Just scrub good while it's on the floor in order to help remove any concrete laitance.

Hi,
Thank you very much.

The steel cladding has like a plasi-cote finish which is applied at the factory. I'm assuming this would be okay if in contact with citrus acid.

Any brands you recommend or just look for a citric based acid cleaner?

Thanks

Jon

 

[gjuk]

This is the floor in question

 

[jack stand]

You could always "mask" off the bottom 3' of wall with some plastic, and although tedious, your posts are not that many.

 

[bigjon]

Nice shed!

Can you acquire a grinder? Rent, borrow, steal? That will prep the floor for coatings.

I used hydrochloric acid on my shed after completion with similar wall and frame materials with no adverse effects. I watered the floor, applied the acid via a pump sprayer, left it for a minute (don't let it dry), then agitated aggressively with a broom, cleaned with copious amounts of water, neutralised and let dry. Also, as 'jack stand' mentioned, you could use tape and plastic to protect your walls, etc...

What type of coating are you using? My 2 cents; Don't use paint. Go epoxy or a related system.

 

[Shea]

Hi,
Thank you very much.

The steel cladding has like a plasi-cote finish which is applied at the factory. I'm assuming this would be okay if in contact with citrus acid.

Any brands you recommend or just look for a citric based acid cleaner?

Thanks

Jon

Being that it's plastic it should be OK. As someone said, you can always tape it off. This is an example of the type of product you can use.

https://www.rustoleum.com/product-c...shield/concrete-prep-and-repair/concrete-etch

 

[gjuk]

Hi guys,

So I've decided I'm not etching this floor, the building even with a small % of risk I'm not damaging with throwing acid around in puddles.

I've 'ground' the floor with a floor sander. Yes I know this is not a floor grinder but its all they had and it has sorted most of it I think.

Can you comment on the photos I've taken?

The areas of 'dips are the hardest part to get to, I'm not sure how to approach these parts or maybe its okay to paint over?

Done a few test paint areas to see how the paint holds.

Thoughts please!

Jon