In a nutshell: The HATOCH pH7 Stick (50ml, pH-neutral) is suitable for acrylic and hybrid primers and is practical for spot applications on the go. The SPEZIAL version (500ml, citric acid-based, pH 2–4) also covers silicate and mineral substrates and is suitable for larger areas. If you are unsure which primer was used, you should opt for the SPEZIAL version – test on an inconspicuous area first for acid-sensitive substrates such as natural stone.
→ Directly to the right product: HATOCH pH7 Stick 50ml or HATOCH SPEZIAL 500ml.
The two products at a glance
| Criterion | pH7 Stick (50ml) | SPEZIAL (500ml) |
|---|---|---|
| Works on acrylic/hybrid primer | Yes | Yes |
| Works on silicate/mineral primer | No | Yes |
| Container size | 50ml, stick format | 500ml, bottle |
| Principle of action | pH-neutral (pH 7) | Citric acid-based (pH 2–4) |
| Ideal for | Spot application, small areas, on the go, acid-sensitive substrates | Larger areas, construction site use, unclear or mineral substrate type |
| Flash point | 65°C | 65°C |
| Hazard classification | None (not subject to classification) | None (not subject to classification) |
| NSF-certified | Yes | Yes |
When is the pH7 Stick sufficient?
The 50ml stick is the right choice if you know for sure that it's an acrylic or hybrid primer – which is the case for most modern floor coatings and primers indoors. Since it's pH-neutral, it's also suitable for acid-sensitive substrates like natural stone. Practical for:
- Small, localized stains or residues
- Mobile use on the construction site, fits in any tool bag
- Application on sensitive surfaces such as marble or limestone
When do you need the SPEZIAL 500ml version?
Opt for the SPEZIAL version if:
- the substrate type is silicate or mineral-bound
- larger areas need to be treated
- the pH7 Stick is not sufficient because the substrate type is unclear or silicate
Since the SPEZIAL version is citric acid-based (pH 2–4), test on an inconspicuous area first for acid-sensitive substrates such as natural stone.
Important safety note
pH7 Stick and SPEZIAL must not be mixed – combining acid (SPEZIAL) and the pH-neutral stick carries a risk of formaldehyde formation. Neither product is classified as hazardous and both are NSF-certified, but they work on different chemical principles and should be used independently.
Read more
- Identifying acrylic, hybrid or silicate primers
- Removing primer from tiles, parquet, and natural stone
- Safety data sheet explained simply
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which HATOCH product do I need for my primer?
For acrylic or hybrid primers, the pH-neutral pH7 Stick (50ml) is sufficient. For silicate or mineral substrates, the SPEZIAL 500ml version (citric acid-based, pH 2–4) is the right choice, as it covers all primer types.
Can I also use the pH7 Stick on larger areas?
Technically possible, but the 50ml format is designed for spot applications and smaller areas. For larger areas, the 500ml bottle is more economical and practical.
What happens if I treat the wrong substrate type?
For silicate or mineral substrates, the pH7 Stick does not work reliably, as it was developed only for acrylic and hybrid primers. In this case, the SPEZIAL version is necessary.
Can I use pH7 Stick and SPEZIAL together?
No. The SPEZIAL version is citric acid-based – combining it with the pH-neutral pH7 Stick carries a risk of formaldehyde formation and should be avoided.
Which product is better for natural stone?
The pH7 Stick, as it is pH-neutral and does not attack natural stone such as marble or limestone. The SPEZIAL version should only be used on natural stone after testing on an inconspicuous area, as it is citric acid-based itself.