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Can I use an acid etch on concrete instead of grinding to prepare the surface for coating?

Grinding is the industry standard for concrete surface preparation before coating, but acid etching can be an option when grinding is not feasible.

Acid etching is the application of an acidic solution to a concrete surface to react with the calcium hydroxide in the concrete. This reaction results in the surface of the concrete being roughened to enable coating adhesion.

An acid etching process can achieve a Concrete Surface Profile (CSP) of 1 or 2, which is typically sufficient for film builds of 10 mils or less.

After etching, the concrete needs to be saturated and subsequently allowed adequate drying time. Any coatings or sealers previously applied to the concrete can hinder the effectiveness of the acid etch, or make it entirely ineffective. Acid solutions can corrode steel and other metal surfaces. Etching can lead to inconsistent surface profiles when compared to grinding. For these reasons, grinding is recommended when possible.