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Concrete Etching Gone Wrong (and How to Fix It)

Avoiding Common Mistakes Before They Cost You Time (and Sanity)
Real Stories. Real Fixes. Real Results.

By Justin Richardson

Common Mistake #1: Etching Over Dust

Eric’s 1,400 sq. ft. basement project was going great—until he realized his concrete grinding dust had made a comeback. After etching, ghost-like footprints appeared all over the floor, permanently embedded in the surface.

Footprints etched into concrete floor due to tracked dust before staining
Footprints are visibly etched into the concrete after tracking fine dust during surface prep — a common mistake caused by not wearing spiked shoes during etching.
Close-up of etched footprints on dry concrete floor before staining
A close-up view showing how dust left behind during etching can permanently mark

What Went Wrong:

  • Grinding created fine dust.
  • Dust was tracked unknowingly across the slab.
  • Etching chemically reacted with that dust — locking in the footprints.

How He Fixed It:

  • Tried sanding – effective, but slow and messy.
  • Rented a floor scrubber – ultimately removed the etch marks after 4 passes and 8 hours of work.

Lesson: Clean, clean, and clean again before etching. Dust hides like a ninja. Use a floor scrubber if needed.

Common Mistake #2: No Spiked Shoes on Etching Day

Another customer etching a machine-troweled slab made a classic mistake: no spiked shoes. The result? A perfectly etched floor — with etched footprints stamped into the finish.

Footprints permanently etched into concrete floor after improper cleaning
Footprints left behind after walking on wet etching solution without spiked shoes and failing to rinse thoroughly — a common but preventable mistake.
Concrete floor after scrubbing and sanding etched footprints
After hours of scrubbing and sanding, some etched marks remain visible due to dried CitrusEtch™ that wasn’t fully rinsed off in time.

What Went Wrong:

  • The concrete slab was machine-troweled, leaving it very smooth and dense.
  • Walking on the surface during etching — without spiked shoes — caused compressed areas.
  • Those areas etched deeper than the rest of the floor, leaving behind visible footprints once the solution dried.

Lesson: Always wear spiked shoes when walking on etched or wet concrete. The etching solution chemically alters whatever it touches.

Why Spiked Shoes Matter So Much

Whether you’re working in a basement or garage, spiked shoes prevent your feet from pressing into the soft, reactive surface. They keep the contact area minimal and protect your floor from accidental marks.

If there’s one thing every DIYer should buy for a concrete project, it’s a pair of spiked shoes.

Final Tips to Avoid Etching Disasters

Water Absorption Test & Etching How-to

Before Etching:

  • Do a water test — if water beads on the surface, you must etch.
  • Vacuum and scrub thoroughly after any grinding or patching.
  • Section off dirty work areas (like bathrooms) with tarps or plastic sheeting.

During Etching:

  • Wear spiked shoes — no exceptions.
  • Apply etch evenly using a pump sprayer.
  • Watch for fizzing — that’s the chemical reaction in action.

After Etching:

  • Neutralize completely — use a proper neutralizer.
  • Rinse and scrub again to remove any residue.
  • Let the concrete dry fully (24–48 hrs) before staining or sealing.

Creative Concrete Showdown: CitrusEtch™ & Team Green Prep to Win

How to Prep Concrete for Staining | Eco-Friendly CitrusEtch for Perfect Surface Prep

Products That Help You Get It Right

The Bottom Line

Concrete etching isn’t hard — but it’s unforgiving if you skip steps. With proper prep, clean tools, and protective gear, you can avoid common issues and get a finish you’re proud of.

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