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Coo-Var Acid Etch - Chemical Concrete Etch for Removing Laitance & Dust | No Grinding

by Coo-Var

Prepare concrete and power floated floors with Coo-Var Acid Etch, a chemical concrete etch that removes laitance, salts, and dust whilst creating a rough, porous key for paint and screed, eliminating mechanical grinding.

Surface: Concrete, power-floated concrete, cement screed, masonry
Base: Acid solution with wetting agents (water-based)
Finish: Chemically abraded surface ready for painting
Coverage: Approx. 7 m² per litre (surface dependent)
Use: Interior & exterior concrete floors
Dilution: 1 part etch to 3 parts water
Drying time: Paint only when surface is thoroughly dry
Application methods: Plastic watering can, brush, or mop (agitate with stiff broom)
Pack size: 5 litres

Perfect for:
• Smooth concrete floors                  • Power-floated concrete
• Cement screed                                • Laitance removal
• Dust & salt removal                        • Chemical abrasion

Original price £24.45 - Original price £24.45
Original price
£24.45
£24.45 - £24.45
Current price £24.45

Tracked UK Delivery (DX / FedEx)

FREE Standard over £75

Standard £7.95 · 2–3 working days

Express £13.95 · Next working day (order before 12:00 Mon–Thu)

What Our Customers Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Used Acid Etch on our power-floated warehouse floor and it saved hours of grinding. Applied with plastic watering can, agitated with broom, and the bubbling reaction was impressive. Rinsed thoroughly, dried overnight, then primed with ProSeal. The floor paint adhesion is perfect. No grinding dust. Brilliant product." — Mike H., Warehouse Contractor, Rotherham

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Applied Acid Etch to our swimming pool concrete floor and it's perfect for removing laitance. The chemical etching created the rough surface we needed for epoxy coating. No mechanical grinding required. The zero VOC formula meant no fumes in the enclosed space. Professional results." — Cathy R., Pool Maintenance Manager, Barnsley

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "We use Acid Etch on all our smooth concrete floors before painting. The chemical abrasion eliminates grinding and the coverage is excellent - 5L covered 35m² of floor. Diluted 1:3, applied, agitated, rinsed. The floor paint adhesion is outstanding. Cost-effective preparation." — Stuart W., Flooring Specialist, Sheffield

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Used this on our garage floor and the laitance removal is impressive. The visual bubbling confirms it's working. Applied with mop, agitated with broom, rinsed thoroughly. Dried for 24 hours then painted with Coo-Var Floor Paint. The adhesion is perfect - no peeling after 8 months. Highly recommend." — Pauline D., Homeowner, Chesterfield

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "We've used various concrete etches but Coo-Var is the best. Applied to our factory floor before Profloor Plus epoxy. The chemical etching created perfect key for adhesion. No grinding equipment needed. The water-based formula is safe for occupied facilities. Best concrete preparation product available." — Raymond T., Facilities Engineer, Doncaster

✅ This product is ideal if you need to:

• Chemically etch concrete and power-floated floors to create rough, porous key for paint and screed

• Remove laitance, salts, and dust from concrete without mechanical grinding

• Prepare smooth concrete where mechanical abrasion is impractical or undesirable

• Use water-based chemical etch (zero VOC, non-flammable) safe for occupied spaces

• Eliminate dust creation and heavy grinding equipment for dust-free preparation

• Create optimal surface for floor primers and paints to achieve maximum adhesion

• Use professional-grade concrete etch from Coo-Var (115+ years British coating expertise)

• Prime and paint after etching with floor primers and floor paints for durable floor systems

❌ This product is NOT suitable if you need to:

• Use on surfaces other than concrete, power-floated concrete, or cement screed (for concrete only)

• Apply without dilution (must dilute 1 part etch to 3 parts water before application)

• Use without thorough rinsing (must rinse thoroughly with clean water when bubbling stops)

• Paint immediately after etching (surface must be thoroughly dry before painting)

• Use on wet or saturated concrete (surface should be dry before etching)

• Apply in temperatures below 10°C (minimum application temperature 10°C)

• Use without proper PPE (wear gloves, eye protection, and follow safety guidelines—acid solution)

• Use metal containers or tools (use plastic watering can, plastic buckets, and stiff broom only)

Coo-Var Acid Etch is a chemical concrete etch designed to remove laitance, salts, and dust from concrete and power-floated floors whilst creating a rough, porous key for paint and screed. Unlike mechanical grinding that creates dust and requires heavy equipment, this chemical abrasion eliminates grinding whilst providing superior surface preparation for optimal paint adhesion.

Developed by Coo-Var with over 115 years of British coating expertise, Acid Etch is the professional solution for preparing smooth concrete, power-floated concrete, and cement screed where mechanical abrasion is impractical or undesirable. The water-based acid solution chemically etches concrete, removing laitance and creating a porous key that floor primers and paints can properly grip.

When concrete and power-floated floors are too smooth for paint adhesion, mechanical grinding is time-consuming, creates dust, and requires heavy equipment. Coo-Var Acid Etch's chemical abrasion eliminates grinding whilst removing laitance, salts, and dust that prevent paint adhesion. The visual bubbling reaction confirms active etching, providing confidence in surface preparation.

The water-based formulation is zero VOC and non-flammable, making it safe for occupied spaces. The simple dilution (1 part etch to 3 parts water) and application by plastic watering can, brush, or mop makes it accessible for DIY users and professionals. Coverage of 7 m² per litre makes it cost-effective for large floor areas.

Suitable for concrete, power-floated concrete, and cement screed in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. After etching and thorough rinsing, prime with floor primers (Coo-Var ProSeal, Coo-Var Dampshield) and coat with floor paints (Coo-Var Floor Paint, Profloor, Profloor Plus, Progrip) for optimal adhesion and durability.

Manufactured in the UK to rigorous standards and trusted by homeowners, contractors, facilities managers, and professional decorators for dust-free chemical concrete preparation.

Key Benefits:


• Chemical Abrasion
– Chemically etches concrete to create rough, porous key for paint and screed. Removes laitance, salts, and dust. Eliminates mechanical grinding and dust creation. Visual bubbling confirms active etching.

• No Grinding Required – Saves time and labour by eliminating mechanical grinding. No heavy equipment needed. No dust creation. Ideal where grinding is impractical or undesirable. Dust-free preparation for occupied spaces.

• Removes Laitance & Dust – Removes laitance (weak surface layer), salts, and dust that prevent paint adhesion. Creates clean, porous surface for optimal primer and paint bonding. Ensures long-lasting floor coatings.

• Water-Based Zero VOC – Water-based acid solution is zero VOC and non-flammable. Safe for occupied spaces. Easy application with plastic watering can, brush, or mop. Simple dilution (1 part etch to 3 parts water).

Superior Paint Adhesion – Creates rough, porous key that floor primers and paints can properly grip. Prevents delamination and coating failure. Ensures maximum adhesion for floor coatings.

Power-Floated Concrete – Ideal for power-floated concrete which is too smooth and dense for paint adhesion. Chemical etching opens surface without mechanical grinding. Perfect for warehouses and industrial floors.

• Cost-Effective Coverage – Coverage of 7 m² per litre makes it economical for large floor areas. Simple dilution and application. Affordable preparation compared to mechanical grinding equipment rental.

• Coo-Var Heritage – Over 115 years of British coating expertise. Trusted by homeowners, contractors, and facilities managers for dust-free chemical concrete preparation.

Prepare concrete floors without grinding. Add to basket now and ensure optimal paint adhesion.

Coo-Var Acid Etch is the perfect choice for chemical concrete preparation in a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial applications:

• Smooth Concrete Floors – Ideal for smooth concrete floors requiring chemical abrasion before painting. Eliminates mechanical grinding. Creates rough, porous key for optimal paint adhesion. Perfect for garages, workshops, and warehouses.

• Power-Floated Concrete – Great for power-floated concrete which is too smooth and dense for paint adhesion. Chemical etching opens surface without grinding. Removes laitance and creates porous key. Ideal for industrial and commercial floors.

• Laitance Removal – Perfect for removing laitance (weak surface layer), salts, and dust from concrete. Chemical reaction removes contamination whilst creating rough surface. Ensures long-lasting floor coatings.

• Dust-Free Preparation – Suitable for occupied spaces where grinding dust is unacceptable. Chemical abrasion eliminates dust creation. Zero VOC water-based formula safe for occupied facilities. Ideal for commercial and industrial environments.

• Swimming Pools & Wet Areas – A must-have for swimming pool concrete floors and wet areas requiring chemical preparation. Removes laitance and creates key for waterproof coatings. No grinding equipment in confined spaces.

• Pre-Paint Preparation – Ideal for preparing concrete before priming and painting with floor systems. Creates optimal surface for floor primers and paints. Ensures maximum adhesion and prevents delamination. Professional-grade preparation for durable floor coatings.

If you need further advice on using Coo-Var Acid Etch for your project, contact our experts now via the live chat for personalised guidance!

Coverage: Approx. 7 m² per litre (surface dependent)

Per Pack Coverage (Single Application):
• 5 litres: Covers approx. 35 m²

Recommended Application: 1 application to chemically etch and remove laitance

Example Calculations:

Small Garage or Room (20 m² floor area):
• Total area: 20 m² × 1 application = 20 m² coverage needed
• Acid etch required: Approx. 2.9 litres total
• Recommended: One 5L pack (£24.45) will cover with material left over

Medium Workshop or Warehouse (50 m² floor area):
• Total area: 50 m² × 1 application = 50 m² coverage needed
• Acid etch required: Approx. 7.1 litres total
• Recommended: Two 5L packs (£48.90)

Large Industrial Floor (100 m² floor area):
• Total area: 100 m² × 1 application = 100 m² coverage needed
• Acid etch required: Approx. 14.3 litres total
• Recommended: Three 5L packs (£73.35)

Coverage may vary depending on concrete porosity and surface condition. Heavily contaminated surfaces may require more etch. For accurate project planning, we recommend ordering 10–15% extra to account for surface variation.

Important: Dilute 1 part etch to 3 parts water before application. Rinse thoroughly with clean water when bubbling stops. Paint only when surface is thoroughly dry.

Recommended System Products:
• Floor Primers (Coo-Var ProSeal, Coo-Var Dampshield)
• Floor Paints (Coo-Var Floor Paint, Profloor, Profloor Plus, Progrip)

Surface Preparation:

Concrete & Power-Floated Concrete:
• Sweep floor thoroughly to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris
• Remove oil and grease with Coo-Var Universal Degreaser or Oil Remover
• Repair cracks and damaged areas with suitable concrete repair compound
• Ensure surface is dry (surface should be dry before etching)
• Remove any existing coatings or sealers
• Surface must be clean and free from loose material

IMPORTANT: Read Safety Data Sheet before use. Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection). Acid solution requires proper safety precautions.

Dilution:

• Use plastic containers only (never use metal containers)
• Mix 1 part Acid Etch to 3 parts clean water
• Always add acid to water (never add water to acid)
• Mix in well-ventilated area
• Prepare only what you can apply immediately

Application:

• Apply in temperatures above 10°C for optimal reaction
• Ensure good ventilation during application
• Use plastic watering can, brush, or mop (never use metal tools)
• Pour diluted etch evenly over concrete surface
• Agitate with stiff broom to ensure even coverage and reaction
• Visual bubbling confirms active etching
• Continue agitating whilst bubbling occurs
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water when bubbling stops
• Ensure all residue is removed with thorough rinsing
• Allow surface to dry completely before painting
• Coverage: Approx. 7 m² per litre

Safety:

• Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection)
• Ensure good ventilation during application
• Use plastic containers and tools only (never metal)
• Always add acid to water (never water to acid)
• Avoid skin and eye contact
• Follow all safety precautions in Safety Data Sheet
• Keep away from children and pets
• Dispose of waste according to local regulations

Drying & Painting:

• Rinse thoroughly with clean water when bubbling stops
• Allow surface to dry completely before painting
• Drying time depends on temperature, humidity, and ventilation
• Paint only when surface is thoroughly dry
• Prime with floor primers (Coo-Var ProSeal, Coo-Var Dampshield)
• Coat with floor paints (Coo-Var Floor Paint, Profloor, Profloor Plus, Progrip)

Recommended System Products:
• Floor Primers – Coo-Var ProSeal, Coo-Var Dampshield
• Floor Paints – Coo-Var Floor Paint, Profloor, Profloor Plus, Progrip

  • Finish / Texture: Roughened concrete profile
  • Base: Acid solution with wetting agents
  • Available Colours: Thin clear liquid
  • Pack Sizes: 5 L
  • Coverage: Approx. 7 m² per litre (surface dependent)
  • Drying Times @ 20 °C: Rinse immediately after bubbling stops; paint when surface is thoroughly dry
  • Re-coat Interval: When surface is dry and neutralised
  • Minimum Application Temp.: 10 °C
  • VOC Content: Zero
  • Flash Point: Non flammable
  • Application Method: Dilute 1:3 with water, apply by brush, mop or watering can, agitate with stiff broom, rinse with clean water
  • Surface Suitability: New or smooth concrete, power-floated slabs, render, laitance removal prior to any floor coating
Need detailed specs or prep guidance? Chat with our experts now and prep your floor tomorrow!

What is Coo-Var Acid Etch and when should I use it?

Coo-Var Acid Etch is a chemical concrete etch that removes laitance, salts, and dust from concrete and power-floated floors whilst creating a rough, porous key for paint and screed. Use it when you need to prepare smooth concrete for painting without mechanical grinding.

How does Acid Etch work?

Acid Etch chemically reacts with concrete to remove laitance (weak surface layer), salts, and dust whilst creating a rough, porous surface. The visual bubbling reaction confirms active etching. This chemical abrasion creates a key that floor primers and paints can properly grip.

Do I need to grind concrete before using Acid Etch?

No, Acid Etch eliminates the need for mechanical grinding. It chemically abrades concrete to create the rough, porous key needed for paint adhesion. This saves time, eliminates dust, and removes the need for heavy grinding equipment.

How do I dilute Acid Etch?

Dilute 1 part Acid Etch to 3 parts clean water. Always add acid to water (never add water to acid). Use plastic containers only (never metal). Mix in well-ventilated area and prepare only what you can apply immediately.

How do I apply Acid Etch?

Apply diluted etch using plastic watering can, brush, or mop. Agitate with stiff broom to ensure even coverage. Visual bubbling confirms active etching. Continue agitating whilst bubbling occurs. Rinse thoroughly with clean water when bubbling stops.

How long do I need to wait before painting?

Paint only when the surface is thoroughly dry after rinsing. Drying time depends on temperature, humidity, and ventilation. Typically 24 hours in good conditions. Ensure surface is completely dry before priming and painting.

Can I use Acid Etch on power-floated concrete?

Yes, Acid Etch is specifically designed for power-floated concrete which is too smooth and dense for paint adhesion. The chemical etching opens the surface without mechanical grinding, creating the rough, porous key needed for floor coatings.

What safety precautions do I need to take?


Acid Etch is an acid solution requiring proper safety precautions. Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection, respiratory protection). Ensure good ventilation. Use plastic containers and tools only (never metal). Always add acid to water. Follow all safety guidelines in Safety Data Sheet.

Can I use Acid Etch indoors?

Yes, Acid Etch is suitable for interior and exterior concrete floors. The water-based formulation is zero VOC. Ensure good ventilation during application and rinsing. The dust-free chemical preparation is ideal for occupied spaces compared to mechanical grinding.

How much coverage can I expect from Acid Etch?

Acid Etch provides approximately 7 m² per litre coverage. A 5L pack covers approximately 35 m². Coverage may vary depending on concrete porosity and surface condition. We recommend ordering 10–15% extra for heavily contaminated surfaces.

What do I do after etching?


After etching and thorough rinsing, allow surface to dry completely. Prime with floor primers (Coo-Var ProSeal for clean dry surfaces, Coo-Var Dampshield for damp or oily surfaces). Then coat with floor paints (Coo-Var Floor Paint, Profloor, Profloor Plus, Progrip) for durable floor systems.

What products do I need to complete my floor preparation?

We recommend using Coo-Var Acid Etch for concrete preparation, floor primers (Coo-Var ProSeal, Coo-Var Dampshield) for priming, and floor paints (Coo-Var Floor Paint, Profloor, Profloor Plus, Progrip) for coating. This complete system ensures maximum adhesion and durability.

Complete Your Floor Preparation System:

Coo-Var Oil Remover – Eliminates ingrained oils and grease that prevent coatings from bonding, ensuring optimal acid etch performance and paint adhesion

• Coo-Var Universal Degreaser – Rapidly cuts through oil, grease, and traffic film, leaving a spotless surface for acid etching

• Floor Primers – Coo-Var ProSeal High Performance Primer, Coo-Var Dampshield Primer for priming after acid etching

• Floor Paints – Coo-Var Floor Paint, Coo-Var Profloor, Coo-Var Profloor Plus, Coo-Var Progrip for coating after preparation

Need help choosing the right products? Contact our experts via live chat for personalised advice!

Fast, Reliable & Fully Tracked UK Delivery

Every order is dispatched from our warehouse using a fully tracked DX or FedEx service, so you always know when your paint will arrive.

Delivery Options

  • FREE Standard Delivery (orders over £75) Arrives in 2–3 working days
  • Standard Delivery – £7.95 Arrives in 2–3 working days
  • Express Delivery – £13.95 Next working day delivery when you order before 12:00 noon (Mon–Thu)
  • Spending £75+? Select Express Upgrade at checkout and only pay the difference

Dispatch & Delivery Times (What Happens After You Order)

  • Express delivery (order before 12:00 Mon–Thu) Dispatched same day, delivered next working day
  • Standard delivery (Mon–Wed orders) Dispatched next working day, delivered 2–3 working days later
  • Orders placed Thursday (standard delivery) Dispatched Friday for Monday delivery
  • We do not dispatch or deliver on weekends or UK bank holidays

What to Expect on Delivery

Please provide a contact telephone number at checkout. This allows the courier to share tracking updates or contact you if there are any delivery issues.

Most orders require a signature on delivery. If you may not be available during the day, we recommend delivery to a workplace, business address, or another location where someone can sign.

Outside the UK Mainland?

Delivery prices shown apply to UK Mainland only.

For the Highlands, Islands, Northern Ireland, or non-mainland addresses, please contact us for a quick personalised quote via live chat, by calling 01482 222 421, or emailing info@specialistpaintsonline.co.uk.

Bottom Line

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