H&C^® Concrete Etching Solution
H&C^® Concrete Etching Solution is a phosphoric acid-based solution that opens the pores in the concrete so H&C^® Concrete Coatings can bond properly with the substrate.

Where to Use

• Patios and Walkways
• Pool Decks
• Concrete Driveways
• Garage Floors
• Block and Stucco Walls
• Retaining Walls

Supplies Checklist
You'll need: H&C^® Concrete Etching Solution, a stiff broom, a plastic sprinkling can, a garden hose with a pressure nozzle, a piece of dark cloth and a piece of 120-grit sandpaper.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

Mixing

• For surfaces that have a slight texture or broom finish, mix 1 part etching solution to 2 parts water in your plastic sprinkling can. Caution: make sure to always pour the etching solution into the water so the etching solution doesn't splash on you.
• For very smooth surfaces, use the product full strength-do not thin.

• Remove all surface contamination, like grease, oil or rust, with a suitable cleaner such as H&C^® De-Greaser or a liquid rust remover.
• For horizontal applications, after surface prep, sweep the surface with a stiff broom to remove any remaining residue.
• Apply H&C^® Concrete Etching Solution on 10'x10' sections at a time.

• Concrete must be cured for a minimum of 45 days.

Application Methods

• Use your hose to dampen the surface with clean water.
• Sprinkle the solution evenly on your surface-one gallon covers about 75-100 square feet of surface space.
• Agitate the surface with a stiff brush until the bubbling stops,* which should be after about 10 minutes.
• Rinse the surface two or three times with clean water after using the etching mixture, and scrub the surface while rinsing to remove any loosened material. Rinsing is very critical-use a power washer if you have one. If not, use your hose with a pressure nozzle.
• After rinsing, rub a small area with a dark cloth. If any residue shows, repeat the rinsing process until the cloth rubs clean.
• Your surface should now have a texture similar to 120-grit sandpaper-compare the feel of the surface to your piece of sandpaper. If it doesn't have a similar texture, you will have to repeat the etching process.
• Allow the surface to dry for a minimum of 24 hours before applying your coating.
• Before applying your coating, make sure the surface is clean by sweeping it with a clean, stiff broom to remove any remaining residue.

*If no bubbling occurs, this means the surface is still contaminated with grease, oil or a concrete treatment, all of which interfere with proper etching. Remove the contamination with a suitable cleaner or chemical stripper, then etch the surface.

Spec and Data Sheet   MSDS