Orson Cart wrote:
I have to paint an interior concrete floor (approx. 3 metres by 4 and a
bit). I was going to apply stabilising solution before painting. However I
keep seeing references to the use of acid etching solutions. What are
these? Should I be applying one before using anything else?

Any and all advice gratefully received...

TIA

--
Steve

Do not apply stabilisation solution to the floor before painting it.
Stabilisation solutions are meant to arrest 'dusting' of the floor. It
will also slightly act as a waterproofing which will prevent any
penetration of 'floor paint' or a proper coating to the surface. The
Floor paint or an epoxy coating will lift.

Acid etching is mostly only used on new concrete floors to get rid of
the 'laitance' which is the weak layer of cement powder brought to the
surface of the concrete during trowelling or working the concrete. It
consists of using strong acid, Hydrochloric, Nitric etc etc to
neutralise the alkaline cement, break it up and the resultant liquids
have to be rinsed away completely or the coating will disbond.

Older concrete is probably best treated by a powerful jet wash and
allowed to dry thoroughly and I mean thoroughly probaby 2 weeks or more
dependant on temperature and humidity.

If the floor is intended to take a fair bollocking consider using Epoxy
Resin rather than cheap floor Paint from the sheds.

Some of the best info will be found on the Watco website. I do not work
for Watco but have worked in the industry for many years.