Concrete Etching

WALKER

Hey everybody! I've been doing a little research on concrete etching. I'm thinking about starting my business doing it. I live in the Kansas City area, and I don't think there's many companies doing this around here. Can anybody tell me the bare minimum tools and equipment I need to get started??

Tscarborough

Bare minimum would be knowledge. Tools you can buy as you go, but skills can only be learned, not bought in a kit.

If you already have the skills and knowledge, then I am guessing you would probably already have the tools.

Your best course of action would be to go to work for a successful company doing this type of work and learning the ropes.

WALKER

Well I have experience mixing & pouring concrete, making forms, and finishing, all done as side jobs working with a friend who passed away several years ago, but I've never "etched". I'm a helluva fast learner, all I need to know is the basic tools and equipment used for ETCHING.

Tscarborough

Rollers, brushes, pump up sprayers, buckets, tape, and visquene plus the concrete tools, if you plan on doing overlays.

denick

We looked into all aspects of coloring and texturing concrete. We've been pouring and finishing concrete for over 60 years. We passed on getting into it. Unless you worked for someone and have gotten a lot of experience with that type of work specifically, as Tscarborough recommended, the cost of a mistake could be very high. Easy to loose a good reputation was our opinion.

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Nick

"Every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving" Albert Einstein

stacker

why stop at concrete etching,im sure you have seen someone lay brick at one time or another.or watched an electrian work on your wiring,or plumber,the list goes on.everyone always thinks it so easy to do these jobs.and you know,they are right!but its only easy once you LEARN to do it right.i learn something new about my profession everyday,you never stop learning,because as soon as you think you know it all,something comes up and bites you in the azz.

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life is short,do your masonry naked!!
http://ok.local.yahoo.biz/knabemasonry/index.html

Tscarborough

I visited a jobsite today where an "experienced" staining contractor was doing a floor on a remodel. It was a pretty new building(less than 5 years) that was being remodeled into a restaurant. About 6000 SqFt of stain, in various colors and designs, over old concrete. The job was a failure. It will shake out in court, of course, and cost all involved a lot of money and time. There are no mulligans when you are "etching" concrete.

tkle

Must of stayed at a Holiday Inn.

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