Use and Care Manual
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Technical Data Sheet
1000
PRODUCT DATA
APPLICATION
KreteTek Industries Inc. 66 River Road Hudson NH 03051 // 855-573-8383 // www.ghostshield.com
Application (Continued)
3. Apply the acid solution: A plastic watering container works well
to sprinkle Hydro-Etch 1000 on the concrete. This will spread the
solution evenly without much splashing. Do not just pour it on the
concrete. This will create an inconsistent spread of the acid solution
and will not provide for a uniform result.
4. Scrub the acid solution: Once the solution is applied, lightly
scrub it into the concrete with a push broom or long handled scrub
brush. This helps to create a uniform etch of the concrete. Let the
solution sit from 2 – 15 minutes while it continues to fizz and
bubble. Flush thoroughly with clean water immediately after
cleaning or etching is complete. If applying a sealer, neutralize
completely after use and rinse twice.
5. Neutralize: Mix 4 cups of baking soda to 1 gallon of water in a
large 5 gallon bucket and pour it into the now empty watering
container. Or use 4 ounces of household ammonia to 1 gallon of
water. Sprinkle the neutralizing solution over the part of the floor
that was etched and let it sit for a minimum of 10 minutes. When
time is up, rinse the neutralized solution with your hose into a drain
or out the garage (if local water codes allow it). Another method is to
use a wet vac and then dispose of the solution according to your
local codes. Check the surface of the concrete at this time. It should
feel similar to medium grit sand paper with a uniform texture. If not,
you will need to repeat the process again.
6. Final rinse: Once the initial neutralizing solution is cleaned up, it
is important to thoroughly flush and rinse the remaining solution
out of the concrete multiple times. It can leave a white powdery
residue on your floor once dried (called calcium carbonate) if you do
not do this. This is a fine dust that will not allow your coating to
adhere properly. Use a high pressure nozzle while thoroughly
scrubbing the concrete with your scrub brush. Make sure it is
thoroughly rinsed. Using a pressure washer at this point works well
also. Do not use a pressure washer to rinse off the initial neutralizing
solution however. It can drive any acid solution that had not been
neutralized yet deeper into the concrete and cause problems later.
Application - (Continued)
pH test your rinse water: After your final rinse, dab a pH test strip
onto the still wet floor to check the pH. Anything between 6.0 and
9.0 will work for most coatings with 7.0 (neutral) being ideal. If it’s
below 6.0 then the water is indicating that acid residue is still in the
pores of the concrete. Rinse some more and repeat the test until you
get the results you want.!
Further Tips for Etching Concrete: It’s a good idea to cover
anything that you don’t want to get splashed with a plastic drop
cloth. Don’t acid etch the concrete if the temps are below 50 degrees
as the acid will not be as effective with the cooler temperatures. Also,
make sure your floor has dried thoroughly before applying a
concrete sealer. Fans will help. Give it at least two days with warm
weather and longer if it’s humid or cooler. Though the surface may
be dry, the pores of the concrete can still contain moisture and
escape through outgassing when the temperatures rise during the
day. This will cause your coating to not properly adhere. You can
always do a quick moisture test with plastic if you are not sure.!
Clean Up
Clean equipment and tools with hot soapy water. Unused or old
material may be disposed of in a waste disposal site in accordance
with local, state and federal laws.
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Sections
03
03 91 00
Concrete Cleaning