Did you know that even the ancient Romans used concrete in their construction? They valued it for its strength and for its ability to be molded into different forms. They formed concrete from volcanic ash and lime, which were a bit different from the materials used today, but the substance was very similar and used for similar purposes. Today, concrete contractors carry on the ancient Roman tradition, making everything from patios to counter tops from concrete. These creations last for years and require little maintenance. We think concrete is amazing, and we hope you'll share that opinion after reading the articles provided here.
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Understanding Acid Treatment For Your Concrete Surface
Edwin Robertson
Whether you've recently installed a concrete patio or you're dealing with a patio that has been in place for quite some time, giving the concrete a fresh, unique finish is a great way to personalize it and give it a new look. One of the options you might be considering is acid treatment. Understanding the process of acid staining is an important first step toward deciding if it's right for you. Here are a few things that you should know.
How Does Acid Staining Work?
Acid staining on concrete is a process of eroding the surface away with an acid solution. A mixture of muriatic or phosphoric acid diluted with water is applied to the surface of the concrete to treat the upper layer of concrete.
While the solution sits on the concrete, it progressively erodes the surface, and the solution falls into the crevices that are left behind. The longer it's left on the surface, the more erosion happens. To stop the reaction, the acid must be neutralized with a base such as ammonia. An ammonia and water solution applied to the floor will neutralize the acid and stop the erosion reaction.
Do You Need To Clean The Concrete First?
You might wonder if you need to clean the concrete surface before you apply an acid solution. The truth is that you don't need to worry about cleaning dirt or other debris from the surface because the acid solution will erode anything that's left on the concrete surface, then the surface is thoroughly rinsed to flush it clean.
Is There Anything To Be Concerned About?
If you're thinking about doing an acid treatment on your concrete's surface, it's important that you fully understand what the process means, including any potential issues.
One of the biggest problems for those who treat their concrete with acid is the risk that some acid hidden in crevices won't be reached by the base solution, so it will continue to erode the concrete. When this happens, your concrete will continue to deteriorate, which can cause problems with the adhesion of any surface treatment or paint.
Additionally, you should talk to your concrete contractor about the best way to manage the runoff from the treatment because the acid and ammonia can damage the surrounding plant and wildlife.
These are some of the things you need to think about when you are considering an acid treatment for your concrete floor. Talk with a local concrete contractor today for more information.
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