Introduction
The problem for us living in old houses with old concrete floors and decks is that they can be pretty plain. The same goes for the newer homes with a safe approach to design.
So what do we do when we have an old slab of concrete that we hate to look at with passion as it is dull and grey? Or if we like decorating and always look for new ways to decorate our living spaces.
One thing that comes to mind for decorating it and one technique suitable for that is etching. I can think of two types of etching when it comes to concrete: by machine or by acid.
Since the operations differ, let us break them apart and concentrate on acid etching in this post. The blog post for our mechanical alternative is engraving the concrete with a machine.
Here, we will concentrate more on our chemical technique since we need different measures for these jobs.
Before we start, let us look at how etching concrete is defined.
Etching concrete and what is our objective.
Etching concrete is a finishing technique that applies an imprint of something into the concrete. The image can be abstract, symmetrical, or simple impressions of objects like leaves or plants.
Several techniques have been used for years to create this simple and, many times, free addition to your concrete patio, walkway, or slab. At simplest, etching with acid is spraying or spreading it with different tools on the bare concrete floor.
Etching concrete can be done in three different ways.
- When it hasn’t cured, an imprint is made into the concrete at the end of a concrete slab pour.
- Engraving cured concrete with a machine.
- Etching cured concrete with acid.
Whether an imprint is applied or a chemical transfer occurs, wet concrete imprints are probably the most accessible and least dangerous concrete etching methods.
Stamping concrete after it has been poured
Concrete stamping is a popular way to leave marks on wet concrete. The same can be done with a pattern roller or any other imaginative way to leave a mark. We want consistency, so having most slabs done similarly is suitable.
How deep the stamp is will define how much texture there is on the surface. Pigments can be used to enhance surface colors. It’s excellent on outdoor decks.
Depending on the slab size or object being stamped, it might also be a beginner-friendly approach: no electrical tools and no dangerous chemicals.
Concrete stamping is something that has been gathering wind for some time and is becoming more and more popular. If you follow social media, you might notice a lot of material being shared about stamped concrete.
Give that link a click if it sounds like something you could enjoy.
Engraving with machine
The second way is etching concrete without acid, which can be achieved by engraving concrete with different machines. This is another simple yet effective way to decorate.
It’s more challenging than using acid in the more complex patterns you’re after. More details mean more need for attention, and more attention means more time and things to go wrong.
There was a link earlier, but let me also describe it here. You can engrave concrete with rotation tools like Dremel and other tools mentioned in the linked article.
It is a precision job, but you can achieve magnificent patterns with patience.
I’d recommend it to anyone interested in working with tools.
Acid etching or staining
The third way is using acids to leave marks on the concrete. This is a chemical reaction in the concrete surface, so it’s as challenging as the previous mechanical grinding in my book.
It’s also essential to notice that acid needs to be neutralized after a specific time, unlike stamping or engraving. Otherwise, the result might change.
If we are doing our project, choosing a pattern that fits the floor size and is reusable is essential for the project cost. If we work for a customer, it might be wise to lead them in that direction.
This follows the same principles as acid staining does. Depending on the acid type, you can achieve different colors when it reacts with the concrete.
It’s a beautiful way to do floors, and it’s that with etching as well.
Etching concrete with muriatic acid
Acid staining and etching are the same at the root level for me. Again, what makes the difference is the goal or result we aim for.
Staining is like describing words, leaving stains of different volumes. At the same time, etching might be more intended to leave a pattern. Different templates for etching for going patterns can be bought online or from stores. Just make sure they are for acid etching.
In this article, we’ll concentrate more on the acid way of etching. Many different products are used for this; muriatic acid is only one of them.
As stated before, acid staining or etching concrete is the most dangerous and complicated method, using a series of chemical pattern transfers or rubs to imprint a design or shape on the concrete.
The design is then washed with muriatic acid. The untouched concrete is etched, while the concrete affected by the imposing pattern template protects the concrete from the muriatic acid and leaves an impression.
To break this job down into steps:
- Before etching, the concrete surface must be clean.
- The etched pattern must be planned out with the templates we have at hand. It might be easiest to break the job into rows/squares.
- After planning patterns, use acid to etch with proper safety measures.
- Neutralize the acid.
- After the whole surface is done, clean it and coat it.
Acid etching can create new colors and patterns.
While this last method of concrete etching is the most striking, mainly because you can add other textures and colors to create a truly unique patio or driveway, there may be better DIY projects for first-timers.
Severe chemical burns can occur, and dangerous vapors can overwhelm someone without the proper safety equipment. Hiring a professional concrete etcher can pay off in the long run.
It might also be valid for the colors and patterns to turn out the way you planned. Acid must affect the surface to become a specific color for a particular time.
While professionals might get the desired result faster, you can also experiment with a clock to get the desired result. Time out the acid, and you can see how it will turn out after x amount of time.
Remember to use safety gear.
Still, proper safety gear is necessary for mechanical or chemical etching. Sawing or grinding concrete, safety glass, ear protection, and suitable gloves are mandatory.
When working with chemicals, it’s good to check if there is gear that protects against them, like different sorts of rubber and eye protection. Some substances harm breathing, so a mask would also be appropriate.
That said, DIY homeowners will probably have a better chance at imprinting wet concrete than dry. Many concrete stamps, rollers, and other neat designs can be transferred to partially dried concrete. Different pigments can also be used to color the concrete.
Still, if you’re brave and want to adventure, try acid-etching concrete. Buy good equipment and try it out on a small test sample first. If it works out well, then we can go large. Testing is always good when trying new things, not jumping straight to the doing part.
Conclusion
There are two popular ways to decorate concrete: acid etching and mechanical etching. Acid etching is a chemical reaction that occurs when acid is applied to the surface of the concrete.
It reacts with the minerals in the concrete, slowly using them up. As a result, it can only be done for a limited time on the same surface. If you run out of options with acid, you can use water-based or film-forming stains.
Before starting any of these processes, it’s essential to plan and practice. Depending on the design you want to create, you will need to prepare the surface of the concrete.
This can include cleaning and smoothing out any rough spots. Once you’ve prepared the surface, you can start the etching process.
Acid etching can be done using either muriatic acid or a combination of hydrochloric and phosphoric acid. Both are highly corrosive and can cause burns if not handled properly.
It’s essential to wear protective clothing, gloves, and eyewear when working with these chemicals. You’ll also need to mix them in the correct proportions and apply them evenly to the surface of the concrete.
Mechanical etching involves using tools like grinders and sanders to engrave the surface of the concrete. This method is less risky than acid etching, but it requires more time and effort.
You’ll need to have a steady hand and a good eye for detail to create intricate designs.
When it comes to staining, acid stains are limited in terms of color options. This is because the color chart is restricted by the chemical reaction that occurs during the staining process.
However, by combining acid staining and penetrating stains, you can create more expansive colors. This technique involves applying the acid stain first and then using a penetrating stain to create a more vibrant color.
In conclusion, acid etching and mechanical etching are two viable ways to transform boring grey concrete. However, it’s essential to plan and practice before starting any of these processes. By taking the time to prepare and protect yourself, you can create beautiful and unique designs that will last for years to come.
