NuTech EcoSafe Etch

EcoSafe Etch

EcoSafe Etch is a safe, water-based etching compound specially formulated to prepare green and mature concrete surfaces for coatings and sealers. It provides the same depth of etch as hydrochloric or muriatic acid, but without the toxic fumes, corrosive properties, or safety hazards.

This advanced formula clings to vertical and horizontal surfaces, making it ideal for driveways, patios, shop floors, tilt-up walls, and more. It's biodegradable, non-flammable, low in odour, and requires only water for cleanup, making it perfect for projects where safety and environmental compliance are a priority.

Suitable Applications:

• Sidewalks and driveways
• Patios and concrete stairways
• Garage and shop floors
• Factory, warehouse, and hangar floors
• Tilted slab walls and vertical concrete
• Residential, industrial, and commercial projects

Key Features:

• Water-based, non-toxic, and fully biodegradable
• Delivers etching performance comparable to muriatic acid
• No corrosive fumes or surface burning
• Clings to surfaces, minimising runoff and waste
• Fast-acting and easy to rinse with water
• Low odour and safe for indoor/outdoor use
• Reduces downtime, safe to use while other work continues
• Lowers insurance costs related to hazardous materials storage and use

Whether you're preparing concrete for coatings, stains, or sealers, EcoSafe Etch provides reliable, cost-effective results without the environmental or safety drawbacks associated with traditional etching products.

Suitable Surfaces

• Bricks
• Concrete
• Concrete Pools
• Exposed Aggregate
• Fibreglass Pools

Benefits

• Fast-acting
• Will not burn skin on contact
• No corrosive fumes like muriatic acid
• Will not run or migrate
• Clings to vertical and horizontal surfaces
• Easy clean up with running water
• Non-ozone-depleting
• Water-based
• Biodegradable
• Non-flammable
• Contains no TAPs or HAPs (Toxic/Hazardous Air Pollutants)
• Will remove most concrete
• No muriatic acid
• Low odour

Additional Benefits that contribute to Cost-effectiveness:

• Reduces man-hours and effort required to complete a project
• Reduces the cost of waste disposal
• Reduces downtime since other work at the site can continue while safe etching is being conducted
• Lowers insurance costs for worker safety and storage hazards.

Application

Equipment

Brush or broom application. Plastic watering can, polyurethane sheets, masking tape, gloves and safety glasses.

Preparation

Protect surrounding areas. Ensure etching area is clean and dry. Optimum surface temperature is 20ºC to 32ºC. Do not etch soft or damaged concrete.

Dilution

Add EcoSafe Etch to water. Rough stipple finish: 1 part etch to 15 parts water. Steel trowel finish: 1 part etch to 10 parts water. Surfaces hardened or high MPA: 1 part etch to 5 parts water.

Test Area

Test on a small, inconspicuous area. Check the time required and dilution rate. Check the suitability of the substrate.

Application

Pour diluted EcoSafe Etch into a plastic watering can and disperse evenly over the surface. Spread using a nylon brush or broom. Rinse and scrub or high-pressure wash as soon as the required etch is achieved.

Dwell Time

Average dwell time is 15-30 minutes. Check the test area. Rinse surfaces as soon as required etch is achieved.

Clean Up

Use generous amounts of water. Best results achieved with high-pressure wash.

Safety Precautions

Proper safety procedures should be followed at all times while handling the product. Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles.