Concrete Etching System + Sprayer — For Customers Who Already Have Spiked Shoes

The CitrusEtch™ 2-Step Spray System includes the same CitrusEtch™ concentrate and ProClean Neutralizer™ as the standard 2-Step Concrete Etching System, plus an all-plastic pump-up sprayer for applying both solutions. This is the right system for customers who need a sprayer but already own spiked shoes — typically because they purchased a Direct Colors stain application system that included a pair, or because they already have spiked shoes from a previous concrete project.

If you don't have spiked shoes yet, the CitrusEtch™ 2-Step Application System includes both the sprayer and spiked shoes in one kit.

Coverage: Approximately 200 square feet per gallon of mixed solution (200 sq ft size) or 1,000 square feet per 5 gallons (1,000 sq ft size).

Why You Need a Sprayer for Concrete Etching

Concrete etching requires even, consistent application across the entire surface — no pooling, no dry spots, no missed areas. A pump-up sprayer is the standard professional tool for applying both the CitrusEtch™ solution and the ProClean Neutralizer™ because it delivers the even coverage the process needs.

Important: The sprayer must be all-plastic. Metal components will corrode when exposed to the citric acid solution. The sprayer included in this system is designed for the job.

The same sprayer can be used for both the CitrusEtch™ solution and the ProClean Neutralizer™ — rinse it thoroughly between the two applications.

Why Spiked Shoes Are Required (But Not Included)

Walking on the wet CitrusEtch™ solution in regular shoes will etch your footprints permanently into the concrete. Spiked shoes let you walk across the wet surface without leaving marks. The Spray System does not include spiked shoes because many customers already own them from a previous project. If you need spiked shoes, order the CitrusEtch™ 2-Step Application System instead — it includes both the sprayer and spiked shoes.

What CitrusEtch™ Is For — and What It Is NOT For

CitrusEtch™ is for: Opening the pores of clean, unsealed concrete that is too smooth or tight for stain, sealer, or paint to bond. The concrete must already be free of sealers, paints, and coatings.

CitrusEtch™ is NOT for:

• Removing existing sealer, paint, or coatings — Use Destiny™ Stripper first to remove existing coatings, then etch with CitrusEtch™ if the bare concrete still needs pore opening.
• Cleaning dirty concrete — Use ProClean Degreaser™ to clean the surface before etching.

Why Citric Acid Instead of Muriatic Acid

Most concrete etchers at hardware stores use muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) — harsh fumes, chemical burn risk, damages surrounding materials, requires hazmat handling. CitrusEtch™ uses citric acid — dramatically lower fumes, safer on skin, won't corrode metal or kill landscaping, no hazmat storage requirements. Same effective pore opening, without the hazards that make muriatic acid miserable to work with.

How to Use the 2-Step Spray System

1. Confirm the concrete is clean, unsealed, and ready for etching. If it's sealed or dirty, strip and/or clean first.
2. Mix CitrusEtch™ concentrate with water per the packet instructions. Pour into the included pump-up sprayer.
3. Put on your spiked shoes (not included — use spiked shoes you already own).
4. Spray the CitrusEtch™ solution evenly across the concrete. Avoid pooling. Keep the surface wet.
5. Let it dwell for 15 minutes. Don't let the surface dry.
6. Rinse the sprayer, then mix ProClean Neutralizer™ with water per the included instructions and pour into the sprayer.
7. Spray ProClean Neutralizer™ evenly across the etched surface. Keep wet for 15 minutes.
8. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush or floor buffer.
9. Vacuum or mop the residue.
10. Rinse thoroughly with clean water multiple times until no white residue remains.

How to Know the Etch Worked

The feel test: Properly etched concrete feels like very fine sandpaper — slightly rough and textured.

The water test: Sprinkle water on the dry surface. It should absorb within 3–5 minutes. If it beads up or sits, repeat the etching process.

Available Sizes

• 200 sq ft — 10 oz CitrusEtch™ + 4 oz ProClean Neutralizer™ + 1 sprayer
• 1,000 sq ft — 50 oz CitrusEtch™ + 1 qt ProClean Neutralizer™ + 1 sprayer

Direct Colors: Made in the USA Since 1997

Direct Colors has manufactured professional-grade concrete prep products in the USA for over 25 years. The CitrusEtch™ Spray System gives you the chemicals and the sprayer — just add the spiked shoes you already own.