Etching Concrete Using Gel Acid

You’re probably familiar with liquid acids and may have used them in the past. In most cases you are paying for water with a little acid. When etching concrete most manufacturers suggest diluting with 2 or more parts water. What you are really doing is thinking you are etching your concrete floor and assuming that it worked. In fact you are likely spraying water on the floor with ineffective results. Gelled Acids are superior to liquid acids for many reasons with increased performance and attractive cost. Read on to find out why.

What Are Gelled Acids

Gelled Acids are simply Hydrochloric (muriatic) acids contained in a gel, sort of like jello. They are not to be diluted. No mixing with water. When you apply gelled acids to concrete you know exactly how much is being applied. They are efficient and effective. If you have a well ventilated area they can be used indoors as well as outdoors. They can be used for etching a floor with predictable results and are the most effective product for cleaning concrete of rust, mold and algae.

Gels come in 3 types – (available in 1 and 5 gallon containers with 300-350 square foot coverage per gallon on smooth surfaces)

1. HD 24 – 24% acid for heavy etching and cleaning
2. Tek Gel for Profiling – 20% acid, providing acceptable profile for most coatings.
3. Tek Gel For Flattooing – 16% acid primarily used for minimal profiling prior to staining concrete.

The Ultimate Concrete Floor Surface Preparation Product on The Planet

Our Gelled Acids Are Green -

1. No VOC’s – these Gels contains no environmentally damaging Volcanic Organic Compounds and are flush-able to sewer.

2. They are neutralized with water as per Independent testing by an ISO 9002 Laboratory

Our etching concrete gelled acids are certified by the International American Society For Testing and Materials. This organization sets the bar for products that promote public safety, protection and sustainability of the environment. Additionally ASTM certification meets the basic criteria for International standards specified by WTO/TBT World Trade Organizations Technical Barriers To Trade Agreement.

Benefits of Gels Over Liquid Acids

1. Gels as a concrete acid etch product provide control. Gels are applied with a 3/8″ – 1/2″ nap roller and only go where they are applied. Liquid acids are inconsistent. They over etch low spots and under etch high spots. Gels follow the contour of the surface for an even result, in many cases with more consistency than mechanically shotblasting.

2. Gels are extremely effective for removing contaminants in your concrete. The acids pull dirt, grease, oil and rust out of the concrete and the gels capture the contaminants. Liquid  acids pull contaminents out of the concrete but they settle right back in.

3. Gels work only at the interface of concrete and DO NOT settle into the pin holes in concrete. Liquid acid particles are very small and settle into pin holes in concrete and are reactivated by coatings or sealers. Chipping and delamination are the result.

4. HD 24 will result in a concrete acid etch equivalent to 100-80 grit sandpaper. Tek Gel For Profiling provides a result equivalent to 120 grit sandpaper and the minimum recommended profile for most coatings. Liquid acid profile is unpredictable with results subject to a guess.

5. Pricing – Gel acid is 2-4 times more costly than liquid acid when compared gallon to gallon. Etching concrete with gelled acids is 6-12 times more effective resulting in 10% – 40% cheaper per square foot.

6. Gels can be applied horizontally or vertically on walls and ceilings with a roller. The gels go where they are applied without dripping. This makes for a very effective solution on pool deck edges, walls and building facades.

7. Non slip surfaces can easily be created on concrete sidewalks, patios and stairs then sealed for long term protection.

8. Will not splash, user safe, easy to use right out of container. No diluting just put in paint tray and roll on.

9. Clean with squeegee, wet/vac, water and broom. Squeegee and dust pan will clean up over 70% of gel.
The Baltimore Maryland Marina Cleans and Etches For Non Slip Floor

Pricing

HD 24 -  (24% acid, Heavy Duty)       Contact Us For New Pricing
Profiling Gel-  (20% acid)                  
Gel for Flattooing (16% acid)

Cost Per Square Foot – 15 – 25 cents per square foot including shipping cost

Shipping - There is a Hazmat Shipping Fee for One To Five Gallons.

All shipping is via FedEx Ground