Using Muriatic Acid On Concrete Floors

The solution begins to bubble and it lifts and removes the stain.

Using muriatic acid on concrete floors. This ensures a more even application. Slowly add the muriatic acid. Using acid is dangerous. Heavy duty cleaning muriatic acid can work wonders on filthy concrete and it can also be very useful in cleaning excess smears of dried mortar and grout or when attempting to alleviate tough rust.

Some homeowners shy away from acid etching of their concrete floors for fear of the harmful effects of using and handling muriatic acid the main component of acid etch flooring. Always wear a carbon activated mask. Muriatic acid acts like liquid sandpaper by roughening the surface of the concrete. It also reduces the surface alkalinity of the concrete that can cause some paints to adhere poorly.

For many years it was a standard method of concrete preparation used by nearly all industrial commercial and institutional floor coating installers depending on the floor size and system to be installed. Use a garden hose and sprayer to rinse away the acid once the stain is gone. Leave it in place for 20 minutes. Muriatic acid is diluted hydrochloric acid.

Make sure you wear your respirator and gloves and lean as far away from the bucket as you can to minimize any danger of being splashed. Rather than pour all of the acid onto one spot of the floor which can leave some of the acid spent by the time it reaches the far corners of the concrete use a plastic sprayer or watering can. Use ample amounts of water to dilute the acid as it washes away. If you re just removing mineral deposits efflorescence use a much weaker mix 10 1 or 16 1 for muriatic acid.

You should see a chemical reaction as soon as you apply the muriatic acid. It should be handled with extreme care. Muriatic acid creates and acidic vapor that can suffocate you quickly. Add small amounts of lime and muriatic acid until the leftover acid is all gone and the solution is no longer fizzing.

The good thing is that there are safer alternatives that are just as effective available in the market today. Mix 3 to 4 parts water with 1 part acid or follow label instructions for a 10 concentration 15 for hard smooth concrete. These solutions are for etching the concrete.