A process is presented for the formation of a SAPO-34 catalyst product. The process, that involves treatment with water or optionally at least one dissolved solid selected from the group consisting of ammonium chloride, ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium acetate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium nitrate and mixtures thereof creates a SAPO-34 catalyst that has an increased selectivity for production of ethylene and propylene.