[Hugh Heifer]

OK -
So some of you know I have been redoing my basement. Well, not re-doing but doing for the first time, and I am putting tile in the bathroom and around my bar.

It is a cured slab that some of that new construction sealer was put over. It is flat and has no cracks that don't belong.

My neighbor is a builder and told me to wash it down with a muriatic acid solution to etch it to ensure a bond. I understand that as most tile mastics are a mechanical bond.

So I did it. Followed the directions on the bottle, twice, and then washed it all down with a solution of baking soda since i could not hose it off.

The Question: Should I see a difference in the concrete before and after the acid wash? I don't really. I thought it would be pitted and stuff but it really isn't. The acid bubbled and all and that was cool and I left it on for about ten minutes like it said but nothing spectacular.

Anyone? Anyone?

[baldboy]

hmmm....


guessing maybe the pitting will be too subtle to see, but will help the tiles bond?

I dunno. Sorry.

[osagecruiser]

you may notice a slight color change but nothing more...the purpose of the acid is to remove the sealer and any other chemicals that may cause a bonding problem for the tile....are you using a thin set type mortor for this installation?...it would probably the best suited way to set this tile...make sure you follow the instructions on the thin set bag...i always add a little latex to my thin set.....and be sure to watch the temperature....

osagecruiser

[Hugh Heifer]

Originally Posted by baldboy

hmmm....


guessing maybe the pitting will be too subtle to see, but will help the tiles bond?

I dunno. Sorry.

Was my initial thought.

Originally Posted by osagecruiser

you may notice a slight color change but nothing more...the purpose of the acid is to remove the sealer and any other chemicals that may cause a bonding problem for the tile....are you using a thin set type mortor for this installation?...it would probably the best suited way to set this tile...make sure you follow the instructions on the thin set bag...i always add a little latex to my thin set.....and be sure to watch the temperature....

osagecruiser

Was planning on premixed thinset. (I hate mixing stuff and find the cost dif for premixed v. powder is not worth not paying and turning something to goo). I should not have too much of a temp problem. THe house is heated and finished.

Thanks for the input.