New Concrete

[FLSTC4ME]

Hey guys I have a new garage that I want to put an epoxy surface on the floor. The surface of the new concrete is very slick. I acid etched it twice and it still seams slick. When I etched the concrete it did smoke and sizzle but didn't really foam up when I scrubbed it in. This is the first time I have ever done this and I want to make sure I do it right.

Is the result of the acid etching supposed to be really obvious. It seems to have made it rougher but not by much.

I'm pretty sure the contractor didn't seal the concrete. Why would he have?

So I'm asking from people that have done this before. Do you think that the surface is now porous enough?

 

[nate379]

Needs to be rough like 80-120 grit sandpaper. What are you etching with?

 

[FLSTC4ME]

I used what came w/ the kit, muriatic acid and prep solution. I also went out and bought another gallon of muriatic acid for my second acid etching. Followed instructions word for word.

You think I need to keep etching till it gets to that roughness?

 

[WShawn]

Just curious, where do you go to buy muriatic acid? I'm looking to epoxy the floor of my garage, but I don't plan to buy a kit. I'm leaning towards PPG's Aquapon paint.

The only muriatic acid Home Depot had was a more diluted concentration formulated for swimming pools (maintaining the pH.) I bought some jars of sulfamic acid, but I'd rather use the stronger muriatic acid if possible.

Shawn Marshall
Portland, OR

 

[FLSTC4ME]

I got my acid from Lowe's. A gallon jug was about $7 I think. 32oz per gallon seems do give a good fizzle and bubbles and smoke.

All that being said etched it for a third time today and still doesn't seem to be between 80 and 120 grit sand paper.

I really getting annoyed w/ this project.

 

[Will S.]

I haven't started my epoxy project yet (they're just hanging the sheetrock today), but from what I've read, the etching should only need to be done once, if your floor is not sealed. It is sounding like your concrete may have had a sealer or curing agent put on it, when it was poured. If that is the case, I think you will need to diamond-grind it.