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Why Not Muriatic Acid??

by Debbie Jackson
(Mobile, AL)

Q. Why shouldn't you clean concrete with Muriatic Acid before acid staining? I recently cleaned my patio with Muriatic Acid and have now decided I would like to acid stain.

A. The rule of not cleaning with muriatic acid prior to acid staining pertains more to slick finished interior floors. The reason is because cleaning with muriatic acid etches away the cement on the surface. Acid staining also etches away the cement but creates color as it does. More cement makes for richer and more beautiful colors. So if you lose some of this cement during cleaning, then acid staining may result in a less mottled, less desirable appearance.

You are safe to go ahead with the staining. It's not going to make as big a difference on exterior, broom finished concrete as it would an interior floor.