Brand new slab - when to acid etch?

[adrenalinejeeper]

Our 1800 sq ft slab was just poured last week. I am planning on doing SPGX one part polyurea. As I understand it, I should acid wash/etch the floor before applying the polyurea, but should I do the acid wash now before they build the rest of the house?

The concrete contractor suggested that I do it now, that way when I'm washing the slab I'm not getting the walls wet... but won't the slab get dirty between now and when I paint it, or does the acid etch just provide the right texture for the polyurea and a light washing would be fine right before the finish?

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[Falcon67]

For my shop, I waited until past cure and the building was dried in. Etch. neutralize, dry completely, apply finish as a single project. My 24x40 took 4 days.

1/16/2012

1/20/2012

 

[Garage Flooring]

Seems like uncovered concrete that is etched would be a nightmare IMHO.

 

[adrenalinejeeper]

For my shop, I waited until past cure and the building was dried in. Etch. neutralize, dry completely, apply finish as a single project. My 24x40 took 4 days.

That turned out nice! I think I am going to follow the same steps, wait until the building is dried in.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I am waiting to get the rough in done on my shop before I finish the floors. Should be in the next week or two.

 

[Armorpoxy]

Please don't etch until the space is built out. The etch is very mild and you mop or brush it on with a bristle broom so it shouldn't affect the walls.

Prep is important so we recommend following best practices and etching before you are built out is not recommended. Plus the etching is also the 'cleaning' part and you will just have to re-do it from the construction dirt and such.