Different strengths of the bottled acid, different concrete compositions and conditions, these factors make it impossible to predict how much acid will be needed to properly profile a floor. So to figure out what works for your floor run a quick test or two.
First read all package instructions and warnings, muriatic acid is one of the most hazardous products sold retail, it is caustic and toxic, so wear protective gloves, face coverings etc.
Your floor should be thoroughly cleaned and degreased beforehand with no sealers or previous coatings.
Pre-wet the floor so that it's damp, not standing water, just evenly moist without puddling.
Now to test for the correct strength - Start out with a mix of about 1 part acid to 3 parts water (always pour the acid into the water - slowly!), just a small amount, say 1/2 cup acid to 1.5 cups water. Pour this on an inconspicuous spot, what you want is a strong enough mix that causes a reaction, fizzing and bubbling, that's the acid reaction with the calcium in the concrete. If the mix just sits there like water, it's too weak; if it smokes and foams, it's too strong. Once you've found the correct mix of acid to water you're set to do the whole floor.
Again make sure the entire floor is damp - not too wet with standing or puddling, just damp.
Have a stiff broom ready (check first to make sure the bristles don't react with the acid), protect any areas you don't want acid to hit, remember that muriatic acid is caustic to metal - even its fumes can damage metal!
Figure you'll have about 15 minutes to work with the acid on the floor, you do not want the acid mix to dry on the floor, so don't etch too much area.
Evenly apply oyur acid/water mix, I like using a all plastic flower watering can. Broom the mix to work the acid into the concrete and promote reaction. The acid will do most of it's work in 10 - 15 minutes, so after about 15 minutes completely rinse the area with water and/or neutralize it with a mix of 1 pound baking soda with 5 gallons of water. If you don't use baking soda, be careful with the run off rinse water and don't let it run onto any landscaping, it may still be a bit "hot".
Repeat the process until the entire floor has been etched. Using a baking soda solution to neutralize the concrete is strongly recommended. A like with the acid solution, do not allow the baking soda mix to dry on the concrete.
When completed your floor should have the texture of 80 - 120 grit sand paper. Some floors will need more than one application of acid to do the trick.
If you want to chemically profile the floor, but can't or don't want to deal with a chemical as harsh as muriatic acid, there are other chemical available. We offer OrganiPrep, far less toxic and smelly, but as effective, but it does cost more.
