The product has now been drying for four days.
You can clearly see the difference between the first day after been released from the mould (1)
and how it looks four days later (2)
The surface should look cloudy (2). This is the lime and salts coming to the surface as it dries. You may have to wait a few extra days in colder climates, as it will take longer to dry because the temperature will effect the drying time.
Its is VERY important that you remove this from the surface before you seal or paint. If you don't, the paint or sealer will not adhere properly and will either crack or peel off over time.
You will be using the stored acid dilution from the previous page. There are two ways you can do this.
Either scoop a small portion into a jug or bucket and using a brush, generously soak the entire surface. Then using a paintbrush or scrubbing brush, lightly scrub the entire surface. (3,4)The acid will do the work for you so no harsh scrubbing will be required.
Or, place the product into the acid dilution bath and also lightly scrub with your brush.(5)
Don't forget to do the bottom of the product also.(6)
This process should only take a minute or so.
You can see the difference between before we acid washed (9) and after we have acid washed. (10)
When you think the milky appearance has gone, rinse off with clean water (7,8) and leave to dry until all visible moisture has gone.
NOTE
If you leave the product in the acid dilution too long, the acid will "bite" into the surface and expose the aggregate (or sand) making the surface rough like sandpaper. This is not what we want if we are requiring a smooth surface or a surface that we are wanting to paint.
If you think that the acid dilution is too strong, simply add more water. This will need a little bit of experimentation on your part.
We will cover the different effects that can be achieved from acid washing later.
You can clearly see the difference between the first day after been released from the mould (1)
and how it looks four days later (2)
The surface should look cloudy (2). This is the lime and salts coming to the surface as it dries. You may have to wait a few extra days in colder climates, as it will take longer to dry because the temperature will effect the drying time.
Its is VERY important that you remove this from the surface before you seal or paint. If you don't, the paint or sealer will not adhere properly and will either crack or peel off over time.
You will be using the stored acid dilution from the previous page. There are two ways you can do this.
Either scoop a small portion into a jug or bucket and using a brush, generously soak the entire surface. Then using a paintbrush or scrubbing brush, lightly scrub the entire surface. (3,4)The acid will do the work for you so no harsh scrubbing will be required.
Or, place the product into the acid dilution bath and also lightly scrub with your brush.(5)
Don't forget to do the bottom of the product also.(6)
This process should only take a minute or so.
You can see the difference between before we acid washed (9) and after we have acid washed. (10)
When you think the milky appearance has gone, rinse off with clean water (7,8) and leave to dry until all visible moisture has gone.
NOTE
If you leave the product in the acid dilution too long, the acid will "bite" into the surface and expose the aggregate (or sand) making the surface rough like sandpaper. This is not what we want if we are requiring a smooth surface or a surface that we are wanting to paint.
If you think that the acid dilution is too strong, simply add more water. This will need a little bit of experimentation on your part.
We will cover the different effects that can be achieved from acid washing later.
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4
1
2
5
6
7
8
9
10
ACID WASHING
