How to Repair Concrete Damaged by Acid

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Things You'll Need

  • Gloves

  • Mouth and nose mask

  • Goggles

  • Sprayer

  • Concrete stain

  • Water sealant

  • Floor stripper

  • Buffer

  • Water

  • Brush

  • Sponge

  • Concrete

  • Concrete epoxy

  • Broom

  • Dustpan

  • Mop

Repairing your acid-damaged concrete floor is an involved process.

When concrete is damaged by acid it can cause an unattractive look that makes you want to take care of the problem as quickly as possible. While neutralizing the cause of the acid is a first step, it is important to reseal the concrete with the original staining substance. This ensures that the concrete is protected from future damage. If you are inexperienced in this process, it may be best to hire a professional to avoid exacerbating the problem.

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Repairing the Damage

Step 1

Clean the surface of the concrete of all debris with the broom and dustpan. This includes cleaning out all crumbled concrete that has occurred from the damage.

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Step 2

Put on all protective materials: gloves, goggles and mouth and nose mask. Use floor stripper and a buffing machine to strip all paint, adhesive and chalk lines and any other marks on the non-damaged parts of the floor. Continue until all previous finish is removed.

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Step 3

Dilute the source of the acid stain with water. This will convert the low pH of the acidic substance into a higher pH. This makes the substance less corrosive and prevents damage in the future.

Step 4

Repair all holes in the concrete that have been caused by the damage after the water has dried. Using concrete epoxy, you can ensure that new concrete will bond to the old concrete that was already in place. Apply the epoxy to the hole or crack and then add the new concrete.

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Step 5

Use the floor buffer after the concrete has set to level the floor once again.

Resurfacing

Step 1

Fill the sprayer with water. Determine how much stain is necessary by using the water in the sprayer to cover the floor. Mark down how much water was needed as that will be the amount of stain you use.

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Step 2

Fill the sprayer with the concrete stain and cover the floor using a circular pattern. Use the brush to make sure the stain goes into the floor well. Remove the excess stain with a mop and let the stain dry. Apply a second coat if necessary. Clean out the sprayer and let the second coat dry.

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Step 3

Fill the sprayer with water sealant. Apply the water sealer on the stained concrete with the sprayer in the same pattern. Let the sealer dry and apply a second coat if you deem it necessary.

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