Acid etching is a process used by most refinishers that involves the application of hydrofluoric acid to chemically “etch” a porcelain or ceramic tile surface in an attempt to make their coating “stick” to the surface they are refinishing. This caustic acid eats away the shiny finish and roughens up the surface.
There are a several problems in using hydrofluoric acid to acid etch a surface. First, this acid must be very caustic to dissolve porcelain or ceramic. Being strong and caustic also makes it dangerous for anyone using it as well as dangerous for the environment. Any kind of direct contact on the skin of a worker will cause an immediate chemical burn. If a worker were to be injured on your property, it’s possible he could file an injury claim against your home owners insurance, especially if he is not covered under worker’s comp.
Hydrofluoric acid is supposed to be neutralized before it is allowed to be washed down the drain. If this is not done, this caustic acid can damage your pipes as well as the environment. Also because hydrofluoric acid has a very offensive smell, it’s unlikely that you will want to supervise while this material is being used in your bathroom.
Most troubling, is that when hydrofluoric acid is used to create pits and bumps to roughen up the surface, it creates a mechanical bond by effectively making more surface area for the new finish to hang on to. This mechanical bond is not nearly as effective or as good as a chemical bond. Think about this way…which is better….bolting two pieces of metal together or welding two pieces of metal together? Chemically bonding a new finish onto an old surface is like welding!
Another negative is that acid etching can fail if moisture gets under the new finish at the tub’s edge, around the drain, or thorough a chip, which can blister and cause the new finish to let go and peel away. The finish will continue to peel as the moisture works its way underneath and will compromise a mechanical bond.
Instead of acid etching, Miracle Method refinishers use our own proprietary, acid-free bonding agent called MM-4. It creates a chemical bond between the old surface and the new finish. MM4 is a unique and proprietary material that is only available to Miracle Method owners. Don’t be fooled by imitators! It is because of this unique MM-4 bonding agent that has been used for over 30 years across the country that we can confidently offer a five year warranty on tubs and ceramic tile. Beware of any refinisher using any kind of acid etching! Use our online locator or call 855-212-7337 to reach a Miracle Method franchise near you.
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