Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

Etched concrete can give new life to old concrete, giving it the look of deep marble or granite. This is not difficult to do, as there are many changes for different types and solutions of concrete, this should be done to make it look good. This article explains how you can do this.

Steps

1. 1 Thoroughly clean the concrete surface. Make sure the surface to be painted is clean, free of unwanted blemishes, stains or markings and ready for painting.
   • Keep in mind that anything greasy will inhibit etching, leaving untreated stains.
2. 2 Test acid paint in an inconspicuous place. Since acid paint reacts differently with each type of surface it is applied to, it is important that the test is done on the concrete or surface to be treated.
   • Even if additional changes occur during application, a sample object is still the best way to determine how paint will react with a particular surface.
   • Make sure the methods and timing you used on the sample are the same as for the rest of the surface.
3. 3 Be creative. The application of acid etching is a functional as well as an artistic endeavor. When applying paint, you need to understand the technique as well as how much to apply. From time to time, potentially large jobs turn into disasters due to inappropriate application methods.
   • Too little acid will not fully cover and will not etch the surface, precipitating color.
   • On the other hand, too much can lead to unwanted clumping and congestion, and to more active reaction with the surface in such areas.
   • If brushing is not done in a natural flow and in areas, streaks and visible circles may appear.
4. 4 Wash the surface. Remove acidic residue and neutralize surface. This is key to a successful and final acid pickling of concrete. Acid etch residues must be removed and the surface neutralized to ensure proper adhesion of the sealant or coating system.
   • Note: The surface is still a painted object and may be damaged, so care must be taken to moisturize and neutralize the entire surface to avoid shoe marks, residue splashing, and other man-made defects.
5. 5 Let dry. Once the concrete is dry enough, apply the sealant to the surface. This is usually the last stage of painting, but it must be done correctly, as in case of improper application of the sealant, it can develop roller strokes, remaining debris at the end or peeling from the surface. Applications include spraying, cross rolling, reverse rolling, and polishing in the case of a wax finish.
6. 6 Be realistic. Finishing the staining of concrete takes a lot of effort, but as elsewhere, the quality of the work done depends on practice. If you decide to hire a professional to do the job, make sure you choose someone who has the skills and abilities that match the level of complexity of the job. Visit the places where they have worked and talk to the owners of the surfaces they previously painted.

Tips

• Exterior walls and other concrete surfaces can also be painted or decorated with acid etched concrete. For example, concrete blocks can be decorated prior to installation, as a curb on the outside of the structure. A concrete staircase or backyard is another good option for staining.
• Remember that when finishing with a translucent coating (i.e. acid paint) all images and colors will appear outward. This is what makes each concrete wall unique.

Warnings

• Even if you hire the best acid etch painter in your area, his ability will depend on what surface you offer him to work on. It is impossible to completely hide or mix paint with old or poorly painted and damaged concrete. A concrete slab is a decorative canvas of a concrete artist, and ideally clean of stains, delamination, drawings and other marks. This will ensure that the result is what you hoped and expected when choosing to use oxidizing paint as your finish.
• Remember, the color cards provided by the manufacturer are only intended as a guideline.
• Note that concrete paint is similar to wood paint and can really accentuate and enhance the unevenness of the concrete. These include natural as well as artificial spots and tags.