Etching solution vs muriatic acid to prep concrete for epoxy

Question

I'm thinking of ways to remove the concrete cream from my concrete in preparation for epoxy finish. Rather than grinding, I need to use chemicals. Initially was thinking muriatic acid but it's in a basement, although pretty well ventilated and someone told me mixing the standard ratios of acid to water might cause fumes that can be even lethal (that's what he said). They suggested etching solution as a less harmful alternative but that requires a little more hands on approach and attention.

I am interested in the pros and cons of these two competing materials. I have three rooms to clean, totalling about 400 sq ft.

Answer 1

I use muriatic in confined spaces, yes it is bad and needs to be vented. You are the highest risk when diluting the acid. Always add acid to the water, a 70% water 30% acid will do just about any floor. If it is clean , just needs to be etched I have used 15% acid with good results, when it quits bubbling the acid is close to consumed by the reaction. (Note this is by volume I think the acid available at home stores and pool supplies is 36% if some one wanted to get technical so the real value is only about 10% acid).