Surface preparation before sealing.

It’s important that you seal your PeterFell concrete flooring. Sealing not only enhances the concrete colour – it also protects the concrete from any staining or marking.

It’s just as important that you prepare your concrete properly before the Sealer is applied. You can do this yourself, or it can be done by your concrete contractor.

View The PeterFell System – Sealing Information

  • PFL Acid Gel

    PFL Acid Gel

    PFL Acid Gel is a gel etching solution enabling increased control and safer preparation of concrete panels and walls.

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  • PFL Neutralizer & Cleaner

    PFL Neutralizer & Cleaner is a biodegradable cleaner designed to neutralize PFL Surface Preparation, PFL Surface Prep Lite and PFL Acid Gel and for the general cleaning of concrete surfaces.

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  • PFL Surface Prep Lite

    PFL Surface Prep Lite

    PFL Surface Prep Lite is a less corrosive, non-fuming alternative to traditional etching products used to prepare concrete surfaces for sealing.

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  • PFL Concrete Surface Preparation 2 litre bottle

    PFL Surface Preparation

    PFL Surface Preparation is a traditional etching solution used to prepare concrete surfaces for sealing.

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Follow these five steps for preparing your surface.

To prepare the concrete surface for sealing, you need to do a light etch to remove any surface contamination.

Follow the five steps below when using either PFL Surface Preparation or PFL Surface Prep Lite.

preparing concrete for sealing step 1

Step one.

Ensure the surface is dry.

preparing concrete for sealing step 2

Step two.

Wet down the surface.

Preparing concrete for sealing step 3

Step three.

Apply either 20:1 (or 10:1 for a heavy etch) of PFL Surface Preparation or 3:1 (or 1:1 for a heavy etch) of PFL Surface Prep Lite.

Man cleaning concrete prior to sealing step 4

Step four.

Wash down with PFL Neutraliser & Cleaner.

man preparing concrete for sealing step 5

Step five.

Hose off the surface (if indoors, use a wet and dry vacuum to remove).

Frequently asked questions.

Do I have to ‘acid etch’ my floor before sealing?

Yes. You can use either PFL Surface Preparation or PFL Surface Prep Lite. This will remove any laitance (or ‘dusting’) on the surface of the new concrete. No other method will be as effective. It’s important that you do this, otherwise the sealer won’t adhere to the surface properly. The steps for preparing and sealing your concrete are outlined in the PeterFell Sealer Information Guide. 

What’s the difference between PFL Surface Preparation and PFL Surface Prep Lite?

The PFL Surface Preparation is a harsh, acidic solution that gives off a strong vapour when used. The PFL Surface Prep Lite is a weaker solution. While it doesn’t give off a strong vapour, you do need to use more of it to be effective.

Will PFL Surface Preparation change the appearance of my concrete?

No. When correctly diluted PFL Surface Preparation and PFL Surface Prep Lite removes surface contamination to reveal the true colour and texture of your concrete.

You can, however, use the surface preparations to alter the texture and finish of your floor, simply by adjusting the solution strength and treatment time.

For more information on these preparations please refer to the PeterFell Sealer Guide

How much PFL Surface Preparation should I use?

It’s important that the PFL Surface Preparation is correctly diluted. We recommend that you use it on a test area first. The different type of etchings below gives you an idea of how you can achieve different results using varying dilutions. Read the PeterFell Sealing Information Guide to find out more, or contact us.

  • Mild etch
    Recommended for preparation of internal floors, or areas with minimal surface laitance. This will not significantly alter the texture and colour of the floor.
  • Medium etch
    Recommended for preparation of external surfaces, or areas with significant surface laitance. Prolonged treatment exposes sand (and eventually the aggregate), increasing the surface texture and changing the look of the concrete.
  • Heavy etch
    Recommended only when heavy exposure of a Sandstone Finish of your concrete is required. This will significantly alter the appearance and texture of your concrete.

Will PFL Surface Preparation remove all contaminants from my concrete surface?

The PFL Surface Preparation removes any laitance. However, there will be other contaminants that need to be cleaned away as well. Refer to our range of cleaning products.