Phosphoric acid for etching concrete
Phosphoric acid for etching concrete
(OP)
Is phosphoric acid as effective as muriatic acid for etching concrete? I am concerned about the fumes created with muriatic acid.
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Phosphoric acid for etching concrete
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RE: Phosphoric acid for etching concrete
We use H3PO4 in lieu of HCl to clean concrete for the application of Vinyl Ester flooring coverings in open chemical process areas. A lot of reasoning is that there are many crevices where SS piping would be exposed to Chlorides. We also clean concrete with H3PO4 for the application of Furane Cement.
In enclosed areas we use H3PO4 for preparation of concrete for the application of Epoxy floor coverings.
RE: Phosphoric acid for etching concrete
I intend to use epoxy floor finish in my personal garage. I had the concrete power trowelled so it's rather smooth in a lot of places. I really just need to open the pores of the concrete.
While I can have the garage door opened I don't want the fumes to damage any electronics or fade any paint. For such an application would H3PO4 be sufficient?
Thanks
RE: Phosphoric acid for etching concrete
Try a small spot near the door to see if your concrete has a sealer on it. If it has a sealer you may have to rent a machine to abrade the sealed surface. Check with the coatings manufacturer about this.
The one thing I've seen most is that people don't thoroughly rinse off the acid and let some of the acid dry on the concrete surface.
If you want to test the PH you can use some swimming pool test strips.
Here is some very good information about etching concrete for epoxy coatings.
http://www.epoxyproducts.com/acid.html
RE: Phosphoric acid for etching concrete
I did not left them us any curing compounds or sealers.
Final ph needs to be between 8-10.
Thanks again for advice.