About Beeck Etching Fluid

Beeck Etching fluid serves to remove risks to the render and by removing the sinter skin. Generally only suitable on; solid, firm render or plaster coats with a minimum thickness of 5mm. Also suitable for cleaning weathered mineral plasters including old lime and silicate coatings. If using this product, please refer to the specific and appropriate Beeck silicate paint system sheets. To be used as a part of the Beeck silicate system. This product must be used with extreme care.

Colour Selection: Beeck Etching Fluid does not come in any colour as it is a colourless/transparent solution. As this product is an acidic concentrate, rather than paint, this product cannot be tinted to a colour. If you are unsure about your product choices, colour options or any other queries, please feel welcome to discuss your options by calling our friendly and knowledgeable team on: 01179 511537

Product Information

Beeck Etching Fluid is an acidic concentrate specifically for removing the sinterskin on a new mineral render. It is used as a pre-treatment as a part of the Beeck silicate paint system. Once applied to the new lime or lime-cement render, the acid in Beeck Etching fluid neutralises within a few minutes on the highly alkaline substrate. A sinter skin is the glossy high-tension an impermeable accumulation of binder on the surface of felted and floated lime and lime-cement renders. However, if left on the substrate the sinter can cause stress-induced spalling during extreme weather conditions. The layer of sinterskin can also disrupt the carbonation and re-crystallisation of ‘healthy’ lime renders and plasters. This can cause the lime render/plaster to become worn and crumbly underneath the sinter skin. Therefore, by removing the sinter skin, Beeck Etching Fluid removes these risks to the render. Additionally, creating a stress-free porous and firm surface zone is very important for pore deep Silicification of active silicate paints such as Beeck Beeckosil. The product also helps to apply a smooth, seamless and stain-free mineral coating. The etching fluid can also be used for cleaning weathered mineral plasters including old lime and silicate coating.

Suitable Substrates

• New Lime Render
• New Lime-Cement Render/Plaste
• All mineral buildings
• Existing mineral render or plaster with chalking or weathered mineral coating

Unsuitable Substrates

• Gypsum
• Natural Stone
• Synthetic Resin Renders (eg. Krend)
• Eternal thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS)

Although this product is suitable for both interior and exterior use – we must advice and recommend that if used in an interior area ensure that the room is very well ventilated. Also, if in doubt we always recommend that you seek expert advice and try out the etching on a test area.

Surface Preparation

Before applying or preparing the surface, always check the substrate suitability as required. At this time, pay particular attention here to the absorbency, strength and texture of the substrate in question. If the substrate is deemed suitable, and to ensure the best results, make sure that before applying Beeck Etching fluid that the surface is water-wettable, clean, dry firm and stable as well as free from efflorescent and separable surfaces. Use a high-pressure cleaner to remove course dirt deposit, crusts, loose old paint coats and friable renders and plasters before etching. Additionally prepare algae infested façades before etching with an appropriate Fungicide treatment. Always carefully cover any surfaces which are not intended to be treated. Especially taking care of glass, ceramics, window sills, expansion joints, lacquer and anodic coatings, and protect from splashes. Watch out for drifting splashes caused by the wind and enclose the facade if necessary.

For the application of Beeck Etching Fluid provide personal protective equipment

• Protective Clothing
• Protective gloves
• Safety Glasses or Goggles
• Face Protection

Always allow fresh lime render or plaster and lime cement render or plaster to cure and dry for at least 3 days before applying Beeck Etching Fluid. For Pure non-hydraulic and hydraulic lime renders or plasters wait at least 4-6 weeks before applying Etching Fluid.

If the render or plaster has been left for a lengthy period (several weeks or months) before applying intermediate and topcoats of paint, it may be necessary to treat it again with etching fluid if a visible secondary sintering skin has formed. Always try a test are before applying Beeck Etching Fluid to an entire substrate.

Application and Thinning

Do not preset or apply further silicate coatings on top of the Beeck Etching Fluid until the whole render or plaster surface is sufficiently firm, dry and stable. For best results always ensure you are applying Beeck Etching Fluid onto surfaces that have been thoroughly and appropriately prepared. Take into consideration the minimum thickness of the render prior to application.

For exterior substrate application, Thin Beeck Etching Fluid with 3 parts water. (Stir in 1 part Beeck Etching fluid With 3 parts water). Proceed to apply with an acid-proof brush: Apply by brushing onto the render uniformly and avoid runs and sags in the dry render. Pre-wetten critical surfaces with a water hose. Etching: Etch facades from bottom upwards.

Do not let the acid drain into the ground or surrounding areas.

You can tell that a reaction is occurring when the substrate begins to effervescence (fizz). Only apply the acid for about 10-15 minutes and do not let the acid dry out. After the reaction has finished as the effervescence (fizzing) reduces, rinse with plenty of clean water with a garden hose. The acid will be now neutralised by the reaction with the highly alkaline substrate. Do not use in wet conditions, if there is a risk of frost, on hot surfaces or in the blazing sun and only apply in temperatures between +3˚C and +25˚C. Leave Beeck Etching Fluid to dry for at least 8-12 hours depending on weather conditions.

Hazardous Notes

Safety Data Sheet is also available to download in the downloads section.

Hazardous Components: Fluorosilicic Acid

Hazard Statements: Can cause severe skin burns and eye damage.

Precautionary Statements: Always keep out of the reach of children. Do not breath dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. Wear protective gloves/clothing/eye protection/face protection.

If swallowed: rinse mouth and DO NOT induce vomiting.

If on Skin (or hair): Immediately take off all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower.

If Inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. Immediately contact a poison centre or doctor.

If in eyes: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes, remove contacts if present and easy to do and continue rinsing.

Disposal in accordance with official regulations. This product should not be released into the environment.