How is muriatic acid applied to cement floors? Before painting. Also how should it be removed if so.?

Answer 1

Steven W gave you some good information but didn't tell you to dilute the acid with water. Also, add the water to the bucket first and then slowly add the percentage of acid. It can form a noxious cloud and is harmful to you and to many elements found in a house. It can cause metals to rust and the acid must be neutralized with water. They make stiff bristle brushes with pole attachments to scrub with and to avoid contact with skin. After you've etched the concrete, then damp mop several times to remove the residue if you can't wash down with a hose. Definitely do not pour it onto the concrete as it is extremely abrasive if not properly diluted as per directions. I had a bottle drip leak one day and it ate a deep hole into the concrete in a few hours. Too much acid will seriously damage your concrete's finish and adversely affect your paint job.

Answer 2

Often used in pools it's a dangerous solution in any case. The gases are noxious, and skin contact isn't advised.

It's basically an etching solution in it's cleaning ability, and you should have a hose or water handy, have eye protection at least, and a way to not stay in the immediate area for extended periods unless you dillute it,,,and don't mix it with anything else but water.

It's sold in plastic containers so you can transfer it to a sprayer, or pour it and spread it with a stiff bristle floor brush.

If you have a way to extract it just by wet mopping that can work. I wouldn't use a wet vac unless you clean it immediately after, and then I never have, so can't state any result. Certainly if it's a garage you can hose it out, though I'm not in favor of adding chemicals to the environment. If it's a basement and you have a floor drain, the hose works too, but it also goes into sewage. It is NOT systemic however.

In any case, Caution in every case.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

Muriatic acid refers to a concentrated hydrochloric acid solution. The most common concentration is 34% hydrochloric acid in water.

The acid cleans concrete by reacting with the inorganic concrete matereal.

As stated in earlier answers, you can spread it with a squeegee. But you need to wear chemical resistant boots, or shoes that you are will throw away. You also need to wear chemical goggles.....this acid is not forgiving. If you get it in your eye, it will destroy your cornea before you can wash it out. It will not be fun.

If you get on your hands or chlothes, you need to wash it off the skin immedediately. It will cause a chemical burn on the skin by destroying the skin. If you get it on your chlothes, the material in contact with the acid will turn into a hole eventually if not right away.

And if it isn't immediately obvious...don't smell it or ingest it. It will burn your internals just as fast as it will burn your eyes.

Answer 4

You might want to go to your local hardware/building supply store and get some T.S.P. Also, a good primer will insure a quality bond.

Answer 5

you pour in on the floor and use a squeegee to spread it around then you can just spray it with a hose to remove it then power wash and paint