Surface Preparation: This effective acid based cleaning and etching agent is recommended for preparing concrete floors to remove surface laitance and light dirt. It also helps provide a suitable surface profile to the concrete. There is no benefit for use on previously coated floors. To properly etch the concrete, it must be free of any sealer or curing agents. Test for a sealer by lightly sprinkling water on the surface of the concrete. If the water droplets bead up rather than soak into the concrete, then there is some type of sealer present. If this is the case, the Cemtetch will not be effective and an alternate method of surface preparation, such as abrasive blasting, will have to be used.
Curing Time: Remove grease and oil using a solvent free cleaner/degreaser. Apply Cemtetch to a dry or reasonably dry surface. Apply evenly to avoid marking the concrete — the use of a plastic garden type sprinkling can works well. Do not use a metal container. An immediate foaming action should begin as a uniform amount of Cemtetch is applied to the concrete floor*. Scrub the Cemtetch into the concrete with a stiff bristle brush. When the foaming action stops, rinse the floor thoroughly with fresh water. It is best to continue the scrubbing while rinsing to ensure all of the concrete fines are removed. After completion, the concrete should have a texture, which resembles fine grit sandpaper. Repeat the process if necessary. *Note: If no foaming reaction begins, it is an indication that some type of sealer is on the concrete preventing etching.
