To etch or not to etch.

[bigboost]

Forgive me if this has been covered 1000 times but I'm just really new to this and want to make sure I do it right.

I just poured my slab about 3 weeks ago and want to seal it with Drylok Wetlook sealer. The product sheet is relatively vague when it comes to etching. I presume I need to just do the "water test" and see how the slab reacts but is there anyone with some real world experience chime in? My slab was hard troweled so its pretty smooth.

My father has been pouring concrete for 30+ years and is quite adamant about NOT etching it. He seems to believe that etching then sealing it is like clear coat on a car where as if you put clear over a dull/scuffed up base coat then your end result will be undesirable.

I'm sorry for the noob question but I just don't have the budget to do this twice. I want to do it right, the first time.

Thank you.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Any sealer will need to "lock" into the floor. You would be well served by etching the floor at a minimum.

 

[bigboost]

Any sealer will need to "lock" into the floor. You would be well served by etching the floor at a minimum.

Thank you for the response. Part of the reason I asked is due to this thread.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=232420

He stated that he didn't do any prep to his new slab aside from washing it and it looks like it turned out excellent, his slab also appeared to be power troweled as well.

Would you say that will affect it's longevity or given his results, would you have recommended him etch it prior to application?

Thank you again.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

The manufacturer of each product sets the bar. I would make a call to check.