DESCRIPTION

CERTI-VEX CONCRETE ETCH & EFFLORESCENCE REMOVER an economical general purpose acid etch, which effectively removes efflorescence, concrete laitance, mortar smears as well as atmospheric, rust and other construction stains. Opens up the concrete surfaces pore structure for better application of penetrating products such as StarSealPS, Certi-Shine and other Vexcon protective treatments. Safely adds depth to colors, brightens white matrices and exposes aggregate.

BENEFITS

• Contains no muriatic acid
• Non fuming
• Removes common construction stains and atmospheric dirt
• Removes localized rust and other metallic staining
• Safe for most pigmented concrete and colored mortar
• Water rinsable

SPECIAL NOTES

• Acidic contents may damage polished masonry, some non-masonry and acid-sensitive surfaces.
• Before use, read" Preparation" and Health & Safety Information."
• Always test each type of surface and each type of stain for suitability, dilution rates and desired results before overall application.
• Do not apply when temperature is below freezing or will be overnight. If freezing conditions exist before application, let the surface thaw.

PROTECT

After thorough cleaning, finish your surface with one of Vexcon’s premium concrete protection products. Contact Vexcon for product recommendations

PREPARATION

• Protect people, vehicles, property, metal, painted surfaces, plants and other non-masonry materials from product, residue, rinse, splash, wind drift and fumes.
• When working over traffic, clean when traffic is at a minimum. Protect or divert traffic if necessary.
• Clean masonry before installing windows, doors, finished flooring, metal fixtures, hardware, light fixtures, roofing materials and other non-masonry items. If already installed, protect with polyethylene before application.
• All caulking and sealant materials should be in place and thoroughly cured before cleaning.

SURFACE PREPARATION

• Protect wall cavities during construction to prevent rainwater saturation and related staining.
• Let newly constructed surfaces dry and cure thoroughly before cleaning. Excessive moisture may mobilize staining and cause unsatisfactory cleaning results.
• Cleaning high-strength mortar/grout within seven days improves results.

EQUIPMENT

• Apply with a soft-fiber, tampico masonry washing brush or with low-pressure spray (50 psi max) equipment fitted with acid-resistant hoses and gaskets. Do not use pressure spray above 50 psi. This drives the cleaner into the surface, making rinse difficult. May cause stains.
• Do not atomize. Pressure rinsing equipment providing at least 400 psi at 4-6 gpm delivered through a 15-40 degree fan spray tip often produces best cleaning results.
• Rinsing from the bottom up, use sufficient water pressure and water volume to thoroughly flush all dissolved soiling and residual cleaner from the pores of treated surfaces.
• Excessive pressure and water volume may combine to damage soft or deteriorated surfaces.
• Always test to determine optimal rinsing pressures and water volumes.

DILUTION INSTRUCTIONS TO REMOVE EFFLORESCENCE AND STAINS

Test using the following application instructions. Let surface dry thoroughly before inspection

• Pavers - 1 part concentrate: 3 parts water.
• Exposed Aggregate - Removal of retarder, efflorescence, etc. - 1 part concentrate: 2 parts water.
• Form-Finished Concrete - Rough-texture - 1 part concentrate: 2 parts water standard finish.
• Concrete Block, Joints, Brick - 1 part concentrate: 3 parts water
• Architectural Smooth-Finished Concrete: 1 part concentrate: 6 parts water.

Testing will indicate the proper dilution. Always pour COLD water into empty bucket first, then carefully add product. NEVER USE HOT WATER. Handle in plastic buckets only. Acidic materials and fumes attack metal. When calculating the volume of cleaner required for porous, textures surfaces, assume 50 square feet per gallon. For dense, smooth surfaces, assume up to 150 square feet per gallon of prepared cleaner. The coverage rate chart assumes an average coverage rate of 100 square feet per gallon of prepared cleaner.

TO REMOVE EFFLORESCENCE AND STAINS

1. Dilute as instructed in Dilution Instructions section.
2. Always pre-wet surface with fresh water. When cleaning vertical surfaces, keep lower areas wet to avoid streaks.
3. Apply directly to surface with recommended masonry brush or low-pressure spray.
4. Let product stay on the surface for 3-5 minutes or until stains are gone. NOTE: If treated surfaces are left unattended, keep people away from Certi-Vex Concrete Etch & Efflorescence Remover.
5. Reapply as needed and rinse thoroughly with fresh water to get all residues off the surface. If pressure rinsing equipment is not available, brush the surface while rinsing with clean water.
6. Surface area must be neutralized with Vexcon Certi-Vex Neutralizing Rinse. Follow application instructions per data sheet # OP106.
7. Flush all salts and residual acid thoroughly with clean water.
8. Allow to dry or vacuum access water.
9. Repeat neutralizing and rinse procedures until surface no longer reacts to neutralizing solution.
10. pH Testing: After application, cleaning and neutralizing, and prior to application of any product, perform pH test on floor or slab to determine if residual acids are still present. Perform one test per 100 sq.ft. of floor surface. Perform test as follows:
    1. Dampen sections of the floor with approximately 1/4 cup of water and let stand for 5 minutes.
    2. Use only unopened distilled water for the pH tests, container seal must not be broken prior to the tests.
    3. Apply pH paper strip to the floor surface in the wetted area.
    4. Evaluate color of pH strip against color gauge and record results.
    5. pH values must be between 9 and 11 for normal concrete (medium green on test paper).
    6. If values are below these numbers, (light green to yellow or below), repeat neutralization until satisfactory results are achieved.

SPECIFICATIONS/COMPLIANCE

• CSI reference: 03 01 30.51, 03 01 40.51

TO ETCH CONCRETE

COVERAGE

Package

1 Gallon Pail

SHELF LIFE

Store up to three years from the date of manufacture in tightly sealed, unopened container. Rotate your stock.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Causes burns to eyes and skin.
• Harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Keep product, dilution, and application containers tightly closed when not dispensing product.
• Use only with adequate ventilation.
• For use by professional applicators only

Vexcon MSDS #OP107 is an integral part of the safety and application of our product. A short synopsis is provided in this product data sheet. Before using this Vexcon product obtain a copy of the MSDS from your distributor or by contacting Vexcon Chemicals