Everything You Need to Etch Concrete — Chemicals + Sprayer + Spiked Shoes

The CitrusEtch™ 2-Step Application System is the most complete concrete etching kit Direct Colors offers. It includes the CitrusEtch™ concentrate, ProClean Neutralizer™ concentrate, an all-plastic pump-up sprayer, and a pair of spiked shoes — everything you need to etch concrete from start to finish without purchasing anything separately.

This is the kit for first-time concrete etchers and anyone who doesn't already own a sprayer and spiked shoes. If you've already purchased a Direct Colors stain application system that included spiked shoes, you can save by ordering the CitrusEtch™ 2-Step Spray System instead — same chemicals, same sprayer, no spiked shoes. If you already have both a sprayer and spiked shoes, the CitrusEtch™ 2-Step Concrete Etching System is the chemicals-only option.

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 Spiked Shoes Are Included — and Why They're Not Optional

Walking on the wet CitrusEtch™ solution in regular shoes etches your footprints permanently into the concrete. The citric acid in the solution reacts with the concrete surface wherever pressure is applied — and the bottom of a shoe creates a clear, sharp footprint that will be visible after the concrete dries and any coating is applied. Spiked shoes distribute your weight across narrow points instead of a flat sole, which prevents the print pattern from forming.

This is one of the most common mistakes first-time concrete etchers make, and it's almost impossible to fix after the fact. The Application System includes spiked shoes specifically so you don't have to learn this lesson the hard way.

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, then etch if the bare concrete still needs pore opening.
• Cleaning dirty concrete — Use ProClean Degreaser™ to clean first, then etch.

Why Citric Acid Instead of Muriatic Acid

Most concrete etchers at hardware stores use muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) — harsh fumes that burn eyes and lungs, chemical burn risk on skin contact, corrodes metal, kills plants, requires hazmat handling and disposal. CitrusEtch™ uses citric acid — a naturally-derived acid that opens concrete pores effectively without the extreme hazards. Dramatically lower fumes, safer on skin, won't damage surrounding materials, no hazmat storage requirements. If you've been dreading the etching step because of muriatic acid, CitrusEtch™ is the modern alternative.

How to Use the 2-Step Application System

1. Confirm the concrete is clean, unsealed, and ready for etching. If it's sealed, painted, 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 the included spiked shoes. Do not walk on the wet etching solution in regular shoes — your footprints will be permanently etched into the concrete.
4. Spray the CitrusEtch™ solution evenly across the concrete. Avoid pooling. Keep the surface wet — do not let the solution dry during the 15-minute dwell time.
5. Let it dwell for 15 minutes. The citric acid needs this time to open the pores.
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 low-speed floor buffer with brush attachment.
9. Vacuum or mop the residue. A wet-dry vacuum is more effective.
10. Rinse thoroughly with clean water multiple times. Do not let the neutralizer dry on the surface before rinsing — any white powdery residue left behind will prevent your stain or sealer from bonding.
11. Rinse again and vacuum or mop until no residue remains.

How to Know the Etch Worked

Two simple tests confirm the concrete is properly etched:

The feel test: Run your hand across the dry surface. Properly etched concrete feels like very fine sandpaper — slightly rough and textured. If it still feels smooth, the pores aren't open enough. Repeat the etching process.

The water test: Sprinkle water on the dry surface. The water should absorb into the concrete within 3–5 minutes. If it beads up or sits on the surface, the pores are still too tight. Repeat the etching process.

Important: If the surface feels rough only because of a powdery coating (not because the pores are actually open), rinse more thoroughly to remove the residue and test again. The rough feel needs to be the concrete itself, not residue sitting on top.

Available Sizes

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

What This System Does Not Include

• Surface prep chemicals — ProClean Degreaser™ for cleaning and Destiny™ Stripper for removing existing coatings are sold separately.
• A soft-bristled brush or floor buffer — Needed for the scrubbing step during neutralization. Most homeowners and contractors already have a stiff nylon brush on hand.
• A wet-dry vacuum — Recommended for residue removal. A cotton mop works but is less effective.
• Safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves — Required PPE for handling citric acid. Standard safety equipment that most DIYers and contractors already own.

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™ Application System is the all-in-one etching kit that gives first-time users everything they need — chemicals, sprayer, and spiked shoes — so the concrete is properly prepped and ready for staining, sealing, or any coating that needs open pores to bond.