Using Muriatic Acid To Stain Concrete

Use an acid resistant airless paint sprayer to neatly and evenly apply the stain on the concrete slab.

Using muriatic acid to stain concrete.

Despite its effectiveness muriatic acid should be used on concrete stains only if you ve tried gentler alternatives to no avail. It is excellent for cleaning away rust stains and efflorescence but must be used with extreme caution. In these products the muriatic acid is mixed with a stain color. You roughen such a floor by etching it with muriatic acid.

Muriatic acid acts like liquid sandpaper by roughening the surface of the concrete. If the acid comes in contact with skin wash it away with large amounts of water. If you re just removing mineral deposits efflorescence use a much weaker mix 10 1 or 16 1 for muriatic acid. These solutions are for etching the concrete.

It also reduces the surface alkalinity of the concrete that can cause some paints to adhere poorly. The acid works well on concrete and on many masonry projects because it neutralizes alkalinity. A smooth concrete floor must be roughened before paint will stick to it. Muriatic acid is a strong acid cleaner used on masonry surfaces to clean stains.

Pool owners need muriatic acid to maintain the acidity of the pool water. You may also use a paint roller or handheld brush for stain application in smaller areas and tight corners on the slab. Clean stains from toilets and kill mold. Muriatic acid should never be used indoors and has to be thoroughly neutralized before disposal.

Mix 3 to 4 parts water with 1 part acid or follow label instructions for a 10 concentration 15 for hard smooth concrete. Work in sections as needed. With proper use it removes stains when other cleaners fail. Go over each sprayer coat with the paint roller for a smooth and uniform finish.

Muriatic acid is dilute hydrochloric acid. As long as you follow safety precautions you can use it around the house to clean concrete stains etch concrete for painting. It is also the primary component in most concrete staining products. Muriatic acid is the strongest acid available to the public.