How to Use Less H2SO4 in a Wet Etching

Wet etching is the process of cleaning and treating a cement floor before painting it. The removal of dirt, oils and other contaminants is essential for the paint job to come out smooth and evenly. The etching process involves the use of heavy acids to clean the cement. However, these acids are highly corrosive and can corrode the cement if it is not used correctly. HSO24, or sulfuric acid, is a chemical found in a slightly less corrosive etching solution called sulfamic acid. While safer than the other acids, it can still damage the concrete. The best way to use less sulfuric acid, or sulfuric acid-derivative cleaners, is to step up pre-cleaning of the cement.

Blower
Putty knife
Shop vacuum
Soft detergent
Push broom
Pressure washer

Instructions

- 1
  Blow the cement surface off with an electric or gas powered leaf blower and use a shop vac to extract all dirt from the corners and edges along the floor.
- 2
  Use a putty knife to scrape up any stuck tar, paint or glue spots on the cement flooring.
- 3
  Add several drops of liquid detergent to a bucket of warm water and use a push broom to scrub the cement surface thoroughly. Rinse with a hose.
- 4
  Connect a pressure washer to the hose and pressure wash the cement floor. Rinse it out as you wash.
- 5
  Add half the amount of acid than what is usually called for. For example, instead of using a pound of sulfamic acid powder, which is commonly mixed with one gallon of water to clean 300 square feet of cement, use only a half pound.
- 6
  Scrub the sulfuric acid wash into the cement evenly and then rinse it well with a hose.

Infrared & Gas Grill Combinations

How Would I Build a Support Under a Deck?

Decks & Patios