Acid Etch Polished Concrete and Maintenance

New or the existing concrete floors in a home or an office can be brought to life with acid etching. Acid etching can be achieved by spraying acid solution on the concrete. This causes a foaming action. The surface then needs to be rinsed free of the acid and any residue of the concrete. This is then followed by the neutralization of the pH with the use of Tri-sodium phosphate.

This acid etching is generally used for DIY projects. Done in the right manner this opens up the pores of concrete and creates a texture which is light, similar to the sandpaper.

Acid Etch Polished Concrete

Few Tips on Acid Etching Concrete:

It is important to have some knowledge and information on this acid etched concrete before you plan to undertake this process.

Old and Existing concrete:

As most of us are unaware of the history of the installation of the existing concrete, it is advisable to grind the slab before you start the acid etching. The floor needs to be ground in a way that all the curing compounds are removed. This needs to be done carefully, ensuring that the excessive aggregate is not exposed. In case the curing compounds are not removed in totality there will some spots which react differently to the acid etching. These can turn into yellow or white spots. Acid etch polishing for concrete layers is used for the refurbishing of old pools, as in any case, no pool coping is required if acid etched polished concrete is used.

New Concrete:

For apt acid etching in new concrete it is important that the wet concrete is properly cured. Concrete which is new requires moisture for this curing procedure. This wet curing of the concrete tends to make it stronger. There are no membranes added to the top that tend to inhibit the acid penetration and reaction of the acid. This is also a great process for bringing into life rain-washed old concrete, and the polishing method can also be used in case of exposed aggregate concrete.

Acid Etch Polished Concrete

Maintenance of Acid Etched polished concrete:

For the longevity and the durability factor of the acid etched concrete you need to ensure apt care and maintenance. Listed below are few tips which are helpful in this maintenance.

• Table and chair legs tend to scratch the etched concrete over a period of time. It is advisable to place sliders or Teflon pads under the table and other large furniture. It is best to avoid rolling chairs without a plastic mat.
• For the cleaning of these floors all you require s water and mop.  Floors which are polished cannot be cleaned with the steam floor mop.
• For re-waxing the floors, four times a year works perfect. You only need to re-wax them more often if the floor experiences extremely high traffic. Ensure that the floor is clean and dry before you re-wax them. A floor buffer of high speed is required for floors with high traffic. Products of linoleum wax tend to damage the floor.
• Dust mop the floors on a daily basis so that there is no accumulation of dirt or grime. Soils can be abrasive and ted to play spoil sport with the shine of the floors.
• Mopping should be done with clean water and clean mops.

These acids etch polished floors can work out long lasting with the apt care and maintenance. It is also advisable to seek professional help for the required acid etching as the professionals have the required knowledge and experience of acid etch. The type and variety of acid and the density and type of concrete needs to be considered before the professionals start the process of etching.