Agua Fuerte in UK

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alexander1
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Agua Fuerte in UK

Postby alexander1 » Thu May 15, 2008 6:21 pm

Can anyone tell me what Agua Fuerte is called in the UK as I have seen on a different thread that it can be used to clean grout?

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gerryh
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Postby gerryh » Thu May 15, 2008 6:51 pm

It's concentrated hydrocloric acid.
I very much doubt if you can buy it in the UK.
H&S would not allow you to buy it.
My wife worked as a lab technician in a school science department. The buying, using and storing of concentrated hydrochloric acid was strictly controlled.
It amazes me that you can buy it off the shelf here in Spain.

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Postby Sandramay » Thu May 15, 2008 7:16 pm

Would Sealoclean (made by Sealocrete) do the job? It's used for cleaning mortar splashes etc. It's 16% hydrochloric acid.
Must admit I have brought back Agua Fuerte in the past. It lurks at the back of a cupboard with a Danger sign on it but it's invaluable at times. :)
Sandramay

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alexander1
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Postby alexander1 » Thu May 15, 2008 7:19 pm

Thank you gerryh! That's such a shame though. I wonder if I could get away with putting some in my luggage!!!! :lol: :lol: Only joking - honestly!!!!! Can you imagine if it leaked? Don't bear thinking about! All my 'bits and pieces' in shreds! :oops:

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alexander1
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Postby alexander1 » Thu May 15, 2008 7:21 pm

Where would I buy Sealoclean, Sandramay?

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Postby El Cid » Thu May 15, 2008 7:45 pm

Hydrochloric acid is really only a problem at high concentrations.

The stuff Gerry refers to is the fully concentrated solution that you find in the school labs and it's about 38% - the maximum possible as it is actually a solution of HCl gas in water. This stuff is nasty and fumes giving off HCl gas which is not nice to breathe or to get in the eyes.

As you dilute it, it becomes much less agressive, even benign. The stuff you buy in Spain as Agua Fuerte is around 20% concentration and is relatively safe to use. It smells a bit but is not corrosive and officially is only classed as an irritant as it is less than 25%.

In the UK it is available but usually nearer to 10% concentration.

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Postby Sandramay » Fri May 16, 2008 7:54 am

Hi Alexander, my husband buys it at a builders merchants. I don't know if you can get it at somewhere like B & Q in their building materials area.
Have you tried using Viacal? Would that be strong enough for your needs?
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alexander1
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Postby alexander1 » Fri May 16, 2008 2:38 pm

Ah! Why didn't I think of Viacal? I have some under the sink. Will give it a go. Thank you Sandramay!


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