Safe and affordable concrete etch?

[BuickFarmer]

Since my wife will be helping with the concrete etching of my 1600 sg ft garage, i'd prefer a tried and tested (by you guys) safe etching product. I will be doing this tomorrow so no time for mail order products. Considering Rustoleum Etch and Cleaner...? "A true alternative to muriatic acid, it creates the same profile but without the dangerous chemicals, harsh odors and need to neutralize after etching."
Also, if I do end up using muriatic acid, can I use ammonia to neutralize the acid. I fear using baking soda in water will leave a residue if not flooded/flushed 3-4 times

 

[BillK]

I think that after all of the "hooror" stories about floor coatings that i would reach out to whoevers coating you will be using and ask them.
I hate to say it but over the years I have pretty much found that the "safer" products simply do not work as well as the good old stuff. There are some exceptions but in general I think its the way it is

 

[65ranchero]

Etch, neutralize and pressure wash X2

 

[BuickFarmer]

@65ranchero I've used straight muriatic acid on sheets of tin and other metals outside and just avoided breathing in the fumes. I have not used it inside a garage at 5:1 or greater ratio. With barn garage doors open and 3 30" fans blowing will a respirator be necessary.

anybody have an answer to V

can I use ammonia to neutralize the acid. I fear using baking soda in water will leave a residue

 

[65ranchero]

Etch, neutralize and pressure wash X2

I should of said neutralize with baking soda and pressure wash, twice
Just my suggestion since you were asking
and no I don't have any experience with etching

 

[lolaetype]

I just did my floors in their 2 part epoxy. It came with packets of powered etch and cleaner. citric acid based. It worked great. Looking at the description of the stuff you referenced I'd guess it s a liquid counterpart of the same stuff.

What ever you choose, just follow the manufacturer's directions.

 

[BillK]

anybody have an answer to V

A quick Google search sort of makes it sound like Baking Soda would be safer. I cant remember what I used when I did mine, it was probably 40 years ago I think maybe just tons of water.

does ammonia neutralize muriatic acid - Google Search

 

[BuickFarmer]

I just went ahead and bought a couple of Harbor Freight respirators and will be using muriatic acid and neutralizing with soda and 500,000 gallons of water. Thanks @BillK , @lolaetype and @65ranchero

 

[Toyo72]

Late to the discussion but I did this on our garage, 1100 sq ft, about 15 years ago when the concrete was basically new. Muriatic acid diluted around 4:1 iirc, neutralized 2x with baking soda and then rinsed with loads of water. Worst part was the fumes from the HCl gas. All went well and 15 years later the only spots where the epoxy had worn was where I most commonly used floor jacks. Otherwise no peeling, bubbling, etc. Worst part was the fumes from the

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Our HD357 is a nice alternative to acid based etch.
Salt based.

HD357 Concrete Etch | Legacy Industrial

www.legacyindustrial.co

 

[mikeceli]

Not to HijackI etched my then new concrete garage floor with approx. 4 to 1 Muriatic Acid, followed by neutralizing with baking soda and water mix about a year ago. Did not paint it then. Garage has had no real use, must I re-etch to paint w/ two part, water based epoxy?

 

[Shiftless]

Water based epoxy? Will that hold up?

 

[Shea]

Not to HijackI etched my then new concrete garage floor with approx. 4 to 1 Muriatic Acid, followed by neutralizing with baking soda and water mix about a year ago. Did not paint it then. Garage has had no real use, must I re-etch to paint w/ two part, water based epoxy?

Just clean it well and you are good to go.

 

[mikeceli]

I used two coats, water based on another, new home/garage and it never peeled, nor had "tire Tracks". No problems till it wore thin, after about 18 years of care repair work. IIRC that brand was Linex(out of business, now)

I have Benjamin Moore for this new house/garage.

 

[BuickFarmer]

All done. 4:1 water/acid (easy to measure in a 5 gallon bucket) applied with a water sprinkler. Spread around while still fizzing, let sit 3-4 minutes, scrubbed vigorously all over then pushed off probably half with brooms. Then sprinkled on water soda mix at 2 lbs to 5 gallons with sprinkler and worked in. Then flooded and rinsed 4-5 times then squeegeed all off, pushing it all out the door, then rinsed two more times. Surface looks great, similar to maybe 180 sandpaper.

 

[Andy Smith Jr.]

Looks good!