Hi:
I've spent the last week cleaning, etching, rinsing and drying a 340 sq/ft concrete slab in preparation of applying several coats of Aquapon 35 epoxy. I rinsed the concrete several times with a solution of baking soda and water. Should I do some sort of pH test on the slab to make sure I've established a neutral pH? Some of the instructions I've read online suggest this, but is it overkill?
The story so far: The slab was poured in 2007 for a detached garage/studio. I've spent the last three years framing and finishing the structure; it passed final inspection a few weeks ago. I cleaned the floor thoroughly with TSP and water. I used muriatic acid to etch the garage floor, then re-etched some spots that didn't feel sufficiently rough. After the solution stopped foaming I scrubbed it a bit and then rinsed it out the door with a hose. I then mixed a solution of baking soda and water and sprinkled that on the floor, worked it in, then rinsed with a hose. I applied a second solution of baking soda and water and rinsed that off, then used a wet vac to remove the remaining water.
I've had fans moving air over the floor for several days. I plan to start a taped down plastic sheet moisture test tonight. The PPG people here think it might take over a week for the surface to dry completely (it's been raining a lot in Portland, OR), though I've read some posts here that indicate the drying time could be much shorter. I have a foundation drain on the high side of the grade that should mitigate water coming under the slab, so I'm hoping I won't have hydrostatic issues.
So does this workflow sound correct?
Thanks.
Shawn Marshall
I've spent the last week cleaning, etching, rinsing and drying a 340 sq/ft concrete slab in preparation of applying several coats of Aquapon 35 epoxy. I rinsed the concrete several times with a solution of baking soda and water. Should I do some sort of pH test on the slab to make sure I've established a neutral pH? Some of the instructions I've read online suggest this, but is it overkill?
The story so far: The slab was poured in 2007 for a detached garage/studio. I've spent the last three years framing and finishing the structure; it passed final inspection a few weeks ago. I cleaned the floor thoroughly with TSP and water. I used muriatic acid to etch the garage floor, then re-etched some spots that didn't feel sufficiently rough. After the solution stopped foaming I scrubbed it a bit and then rinsed it out the door with a hose. I then mixed a solution of baking soda and water and sprinkled that on the floor, worked it in, then rinsed with a hose. I applied a second solution of baking soda and water and rinsed that off, then used a wet vac to remove the remaining water.
I've had fans moving air over the floor for several days. I plan to start a taped down plastic sheet moisture test tonight. The PPG people here think it might take over a week for the surface to dry completely (it's been raining a lot in Portland, OR), though I've read some posts here that indicate the drying time could be much shorter. I have a foundation drain on the high side of the grade that should mitigate water coming under the slab, so I'm hoping I won't have hydrostatic issues.
So does this workflow sound correct?
Thanks.
Shawn Marshall