Is etching concrete necessary before epoxy?

The short answer is: Yes, even new concrete needs to be etched before applying epoxy or a similar type of garage floor coating. Etching is part of the concrete preparation process. In fact, proper preparation of the concrete before a coating is applied is the most important part.

What happens if you don't etch concrete before epoxy?

New concrete must be etched before applying the epoxy. The smooth surface of unaltered concrete won't bind with other materials, such as epoxy or paint. As a result, epoxy will peel and lift away, failing to adhere to the surface.

Can you seal concrete without etching?

Etching is a crucial step in preparing concrete for painting. It gives the surface tooth to adhere to, so your paint is more likely to stick for a long time. Most concrete paints require etching and if they don't, do it anyway. Don't skip this step if you want a long-lasting painted concrete floor.

What happens if you dont etch concrete?

If you choose to skip the etching step before applying the paint, the paint may bubble up, peel or flake off the concrete, especially on smoothly finished surfaces, leaving the surface more unsightly than before you painted.

How do you prepare concrete for epoxy coating?

The absolute first step before applying your epoxy coating, is to prep your floor. It is essential that you clean your floor thoroughly. If you're working on a concrete base, fill in any cracks or patch areas that need care before you start to clean. Once the damages, if any, have been repaired, it's time to clean.

Acid Etching/Washing Concrete Versus Grinding

How do you prep a garage floor before epoxy?

Can I epoxy over sealed concrete?

For example, you cannot apply epoxy garage floor coverings over a concrete floor that has been sealed. A “sealed” floor means that there is a sealer used as a finishing material on top of the concrete floor. This sealer is applied in order to keep the moisture and the wetness out which protects the concrete.

How long after etching can you epoxy?

Sealers range from 24 to 72 hours as a general rule, while epoxy paint applications to the etched areas of the concrete can take up to 10 days to dry in humid conditions.

Can I sand concrete instead of etching?

In our experience, the simple answer is no. While acid etching is better than doing nothing to profile the concrete, it simple does not work as well as a floor grind. There are a wide range of concrete types, varying in composition, hardness levels, and texture–meaning there isn't a one size fits all solution.

Can you epoxy over painted concrete?

You can always epoxy a painted concrete floor. Epoxy is totally compatible with doing so, however, you should make sure that you do it in the correct way so that you get the results you seek.

How long should concrete cure before epoxy coating?

Standard specifications recommend a minimum 28 day cure period for “green concrete”, before an epoxy floor coating or other resinous system can be applied.

How do you etch concrete for epoxy?

When etching a concrete garage or floor it is best to not use aggressive acids like Hydrochloric or Muriatic but a milder concentrated acid solution that produces a light etch. These concentrated solutions use a mild acid typically (Phosphoric) to lightly etch the surface for your new Epoxy Coating.

How do you repair cracks in concrete before epoxy?

Sealing the Crack

The concrete surface and large cracks should be blown to remove any dirt or moisture. If there are numerous thin cracks or they are difficult to visually detect, the sealer should be done as a flood coat to the entire surface to make the cracks hydrophobic.

Can you use vinegar to etch concrete?

Etching – Vinegar's ability to dissolve CaCO3 will dull your marble, travertine, concrete and terrazzo surfaces. It may “clean” the surface but it is also dissolving pits into the finish and effectively dulling it.

Can I paint a basement floor without etching?

All concrete surfaces need to be etched before painting, regardless of how new or old they are. In fact, new concrete surfaces will need to be left with the etching mixture on the surface for even longer than old concrete.

Can you etch concrete without acid?

If you want to avoid acid altogether, then another product that works well as an alternative to acid etching your garage floor is a product called Eco-Etch Pro. It is a plant based, biodegradable product that will not harm plant life, is non-corrosive, will not burn your skin, and neutralizes with water.

How do I prepare my garage for epoxy?

Should I etch concrete before patching?

For the best performance from a coating system, concrete must be clean and have a uniform open/porous surface before application. The surface must be etched until this is achieved. More than one etch may be required. The next steps include patching any holes or cracks before applying the epoxy.

How clean should concrete be before epoxy?

Prepping Your Concrete Floor

Before you apply any coating, you need a clean, dry floor without debris, moisture, cracks or holes. Give the area a thorough sweep. Clean up any grease stains with a degreaser and a stiff brush. You don't need to remove all of the discoloration, just the greasy residue.

How do you neutralize concrete after etching?

4 – Neutralize:

Mix 1 cup of baking soda to 1 gallon of water in your large 5 gallon bucket and pour it into the now empty watering container. Sprinkle your neutralizing solution over the part of garage floor that was acid etched and let it sit for a minimum of 10 minutes.

How long does concrete take to dry after etching?

Using a mop to apply the acid* does not give a consistent etch. Concrete floors should not be painted for at least 60 days after installation. It takes 30 days for the concrete to cure and a further 30 days for the balance of the moisture to leave the concrete.

Can you epoxy over stained concrete?

Epoxy garage paint can be used over concrete stain, provided the proper preparation work is done. As with many painting projects, successfully epoxying a garage floor is mostly about preparing the surface to receive the epoxy.

How many coats of epoxy should you put on a garage floor?

With a garage epoxy floor, you will want to add at least two coats. Allow at least 12 hours to dry between coats and no more than 48 hours. Although the floor will be touch dry after a few hours, it takes a few days to cure properly.