This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Chemical-based sealers will gum up and become sticky, while water-based products will not. If, however, the water beads on the surface and does not absorb into the surface it is probable that a sealer is present. Pressure wash the surface and allow concrete to completely dry. Many homeowners will use a pressure washer at this stage to remove left-over debris. It dissolves (“softens”) the acrylic and allows for removal. In order to accurately remove a concrete sealer you first need to determine the type of sealer that was initially applied. If a concrete sealer has been used, your next step will be to determine if it is a water-based or chemical-based product. Once the surface is dry, you can determine if extra applications are necessary. Removing a concrete sealer, whether the sealer is old, worn, faded or you just dont like how it looks, is one of the most tedious tasks! Published Wednesday 14th of May 2014 // Updated Tuesday 14th of August 2018. Use a broom to remove loose debris from the concrete. Talk to the contractor that initially installed the stamped concrete to find out what sealer … Soak towels or sheets in Xylene & let it sit overnight. Chemical strippers are best for small indoor areas like concrete countertops while soda blasting is usually best for large outdoor areas. 2. How to remove a solvent-based concrete sealer: Start by removing any visible peeling and flaking and use a solvent based stripper such as Xylene to remove the previous sealer. If you previously applied a water-based concrete sealer and are now looking to seal with a solvent-based concrete sealer you need to remove the water-based concrete sealer since the solvents will eat or soften the existing water-based concrete sealer, destroying both coatings. © 2019 KreteTek Industries Inc. All Rights Reserved. Ensure the area has plenty of ventilation. It's specifically made to handle rough surfaces such as plaster and concrete. If the water discolors the concrete and absorbs into the surface, the concrete likely lacks a concrete sealing barrier. After letting it sit for 20-seconds, remove the Xylene and touch the concrete. Generally speaking, in most cases, a new solvent-based concrete sealer can be applied to a surface previously sealed with a solvent-based concrete sealer; however, it cannot be applied over a surface previously sealed with a water-based concrete sealer. The use of Xylene can break down the sealer but if the tiles are extremely porous this will only effect the top layer. Use a product such as Aqua Mix's Sealer and Coating Remover. We only offer pure virgin solvents. Application of the product is as follows: 1. The xylene will re-wet any previous coats of sealer, and often will bring the sealer back to life and the concrete will not need to be re-sealed. Customers can shop with us in-store or online using our Click & Deliver, Click & Collect or Drive & Collect services. A flat slab of concrete will be easier to work on than a piece of concrete with grooves or decorative textures. Turn off all gas and heat sources. You can apply a small amount of Xylene to an area of your concrete. How to Remove a Concrete Sealer: The easiest way to remove a concrete sealer is to begin by acid etching the surface of the concrete with muriatic acid. These chemicals can be harsh, so make sure that you follow the manufacturer's suggestions and avoid making contact with your skin or eyes. A. FastStrip Plus is a Solvent-Based concrete sealer remover that can be used to remove old sealers before repair or resurfacing. Water-based concrete sealers can be removed through chemical etching, aggressive pressure washing or mechanical scarification. This will require you to rent or purchase equipment that can be used to bead blast, shot blast, or scarify the concrete. There are two main types of sealers that are used: penetrating and surface and the difference between the two will determine what you’ll need for removal. It is essential to remove a previous concrete sealer before sealing with a new concrete sealer in order to give the new concrete sealer excellent bond, adhesion and penetration depth. Use a stiff bristled broom to break the bubbles before applying the xylene. SuperSeal Concrete Sealer Remover is easy to use yet extremely effective. How to remove a water-based concrete sealer: Instead of removing a water-based concrete sealer by chemically stripping or etching try pressure washing it! To use paint thinner on concrete, simply pour the product over any visible stains, completely saturating the affected area. Concrete sealer can be removed using chemical based strippers, acid etching or soda blasting depending on the location and size of the concrete surface. A. Shotblasting, bead blasting, scarifying and grinding are common mechanical methods for sealer removal. When paint thinner is applied to concrete, the chemicals in the compound seep into the surface of the cement, dissolving stains in the process. Although a faster drying time seems like a benefit, when lacquer dries too quickly it does not level out properly because the product does not have the opportunity to flow together. In the case of the 5-year-old stamped patio, my recommendation would be to try a solvent bath with xylene or use one of the new solvent bath products on the market. If surface does not become tacky or sticky, the concrete was sealed with a water-based sealer. A product like Gatorene will work anytime on a solvent-based acrylic sealer. Spray a thin coat across the surface and let it liquefy the sealer. the solvent will re-wet the sealer, turning it back to its original liquid form. Application: Use neat as supplied. The important thing when using mechanical means to remove sealers is to avoid damaging the substrate below. The goal is to not only impregnate the fabric, but to allow gravity to force the product down onto the slab’s surface. They may need to be re-applied more frequently but they usually meet all VOC regulations and will offer a softer matte or satin sheen. Allow SuperSeal Stripper to sit on failed sealer for 10-20 minutes. After letting it sit for 20-seconds, remove the Xylene and touch the concrete. SEALER BLISTERS AND BUBBLES. Never pour the sealer directly onto the concrete. Cover top with a cloth during opening to avoid splashes; Ensure surfaces to be stripped are dry before application; Protection should be provided for floor coatings, or any surface that may be damaged by EASY Sealer Remover (perspex, plastics, rubber etc) If the area is tacky the concrete was sealed with a solvent based sealer. COVID-19 Update to Customers Our Victorian stores are now open for all customers. Concrete Sealer Remover. That will require that you also purchase extra protection for your ears and lungs. If the area is flaking or peeling then you have two choices, 1st choice is to break down the existing sealer with a solvent called xylene thinners (pronounced zylene) by applying by brush or spray to the affected area and brushing vigorously to dissolve the sealer. Apply to next section and repeat until completed. Most sealers with less than 100% solids either drys or cures when the liquid portion of the sealer (water, xylene, acetone) evaporates after it helps transport the solids portion onto the surface of the concrete. Pro Tip! In order to prevent over application, apply sealers in thin, even coats. You have some variety of choice when it comes to which products you want to use. SuperSeal Concrete and Paver Sealer Stripper is a powerful stripping chemical that will remove most acrylic concrete and paver sealers. I now want to color it using a combination of Xylene Clear Sealer, Xylene and an powdered colorant. If you are unsure if the concrete in question has a sealer on it, you can perform a simple test or two to determine if it does. What follows are three benefits of using xylene in painting and removing paints and stains from garage floors.. Be mindful that using xylene paint for garage floors will also require you to wear some protection so that you can use it safely. https://www.concretecamouflage.com/how_to_fix_concrete_sealer_problems.c… Allow the Xylene to sit for 20 seconds. This ensures that the sealer fully absorbs not only onto the surface of the tile but deeply in the tiles’ … Valspar Solid Color Concrete Sealer is fortified with new, heavy-duty resin technology to provide maximum adhesion and protection on concrete surfaces. Remove any excess Xylene and touch the area. This will help to keep the chemicals moist and active, allowing them the proper amount of time to be effective. In most cases, however, mechanical removal will require you to grind or sand the coating off of the surface. Water-based and 100% Epoxy sealers. Apply the sealer with a paint roller in 2 generous coats. You can also try acid etching the concrete (followed by neutralizing). Not sure which of our products best fits the needs of your project? Power wash the surface and reapply if needed. It is a methacrylate acrylic that will not delaminate or yellow due to wear and UV light exposure. Repeat, if necessary, until the discolorations are no longer evident. Use a clean 3/8-inch-nap roller and back-roll across the area a few times to work out the problem area. Spray a thin coat of xylene on the surface … FastStrip is one of the strongest chemical stripping agents for concrete … Make sure you tell the associates what you are using it for, as they will be able to let you know if there is a better method, as well as how much you should purchase. Step 4 Allow the Xylene to evaporate and the sealer … If you are looking for a long lasting high gloss, wet look sealer use the CRYLI-TEK 5505. My thoughts are to mis the Sealer and straight Xylene 50/50 and add One method of sealer removal is to strip the product through a mechanical means. We also stock solvent (Xylene based) - allowing for the removal of sealer and cleaning of tools. If you already know you can skip this step. When a new coat of sealer is applied to concrete when surface ... it is a method intended to correctly re-form the acrylic film, and get rid of the bubbles. The only stripper on the market that was designed to remove failed Arcylic Concrete and Paver Sealers! We are trying to keep the windows open and running a fan pointed out the window. Concrete sealers do break down over time and will need to be replaced to offer the best protection. First try and remove any visible peeling and flaking and then reseal according to the instructions. Now, almost a week later, we still have strong fumes in that bedroom. This will cause the lacquer to dry faster when cut with toluene than it will with xylene. Be sure to dispose of the waste in accordance … Some concrete finishes are smooth and will naturally lack a porous surface for water to penetrate, making the water test of little use. (If concrete was dyed or stained, using Xylene can damage or change the color of the concrete.) : A trick that you might consider when working with the product is to cover the work area with a damp cotton bed sheet. Coverage rates vary based on the coating’s thickness, hardness, and concrete surface density. These solvents will only work if they kept moist, as they will deactivate when dry. Mechanical removal of sealers involves using equipment to grind or blast off the sealer. For a sealer that is loose, weak or failing, you may be able to use a less-aggressive biochemical stripper. Some of the links on our website are affiliate links. Checking In With Chelsea The Clever Homeowner is reader-supported. If several coats of sealer have been applied over the years, sometimes the concrete will need to be completely stripped of sealer. If the concrete is not tacky or sticky the concrete was sealed with a water based sealer. $64.95 $ 64. Your concrete should now be ready for an application of new sealer to keep it protected from for years to come! How to Remove Epoxy from Wood or Concrete. Concrete is one of the most popular building materials used in commercial and residential construction. Touch the area and if it is tacky or sticky the surface was sealed with a solvent-based sealer. Roll the SuperSeal Concrete Sealer Remover on the failed sealer in sections of 10x10. We recently took up carpet to acid stain the concrete in a bedroom. You may have heard that it is possible to use muriatic acid to etch your concrete surface. While it may seem counterintuitive at first, a solvent made from the same product as what it removes is more effective. Look for a product that is gel-based, as these tend to remain active longer than liquid-type products that will evaporate quickly. If the sealer was extremely over applied, use a bristle broom … 2. In the past, removing acrylic from concrete required the use of hazardous solvents like xylene. We're looking for an economical method to remove the cure-and-seal. If a sealer is present, the mix will not generate a reaction. The best place to find xylene is at hardware stores or places that sell paint. The solvents used in traditional strippers (xylene, toluene and mineral spirits) are considered hazardous by the EPA and OSHA. Not sure which of our products best fits the needs of your project? If you were to attempt this they recommend trialling the Xylene in a corner as a test patch and once dried, do a comparison against a sealed area for water penetration. Hazardous solvents. Was this concrete sealed with a water or solvent base sealer? Also, keep in mind that you need to provide plenty of ventilation in the work area. How to determine if concrete was sealed with a water-based concrete sealer or a solvent-based concrete sealer: How to remove a solvent-based concrete sealer: Instead of removing a previous solvent-based acrylic sealer try resealing it! (If concrete was dyed or stained, using Xylene can damage or change the color of the concrete.). Roll the SuperSeal Concrete Sealer Remover on the failed sealer in sections of 10x10. Visit your local store for the widest range of paint & decorating products. You can apply xylene to concrete sealer blisters and bubbles as early as 24 hrs after first applying the concrete sealer. The Best Drill Bits For Glass | Drill Glass Easily With These 3 Drill Bits), How To Measure For Gutters The Easy Way (Step-by-Step). If the excess antiquing release was thoroughly removed before the original seal coat was applied*, the best way to fix sealer problems is to fill a pail with xylene, and use a natural-bristle brush (on a broom handle) to scrub the xylene onto the surface. How to Remove a Concrete Sealer Pour a small amount of Xylene on an area that is still coated by the previous concrete sealer. The acid etching process will remove the old concrete sealer completely from the concrete slab. Thin layers of concrete sealer, especially water-based products, can be stripped by using a pressure washer. If the concrete is not tacky or sticky the concrete was sealed with a water based sealer. The other method to remove sealer from a concrete floor or patio, or to remove concrete sealer of any type, is chemically. We walk you through the process step by step and make it as easy and pain free as possible. Acrylic sealers can be applied by a pump-up sprayer or roller, but it's important to put them down in very thin coats to avoid fracturing. These solvents can also be used to remove … If another coat of stripper is required, follow the same steps you used during the first application. Is the sealer in good shape and adhering well to the concrete, or is it loose, flaking, and coming off easily? Allow the Xylene to sit for 20 seconds. In its place will stand a fresh slab of concrete ready for a new application of concrete sealer. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. For instruction on how to remove a sealer, please see ChemMasters explanation of our how to strip a sealer. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases after clicking on those links, at no additional cost to you. Similar to Toluene, but the evaporation rate is about five times slower. You can apply xylene to concrete sealer blisters and bubbles as early as 24 hrs after first applying the concrete sealer. Application of the product is as follows: 1. In its place will stand a fresh slab of concrete ready for a new application of concrete sealer. The result is a grainy, … Xylene Xylene can be used to re-emulsify the existing coating of sealer in order to repair issues such as roller marks, streaks, a plastic-like appearance, or white spots. Blushing, trapped moisture and bubbles can usually be addressed simply by re-emulsifying the sealer with xylene. You can apply small drops of water on various areas of the concrete to detect the presence of a sealer. To remove an old solvent based sealer use a chemical stripper like xylene. application of xylene, a solvent found in most home improvement stores. A solvent like xylene is effective at removing acrylic from concrete. However, solvents such as xylene have a harsh smell, are flammable, dangerous for your skin, and shouldn’t be used around children, pets and plants. 'S lid and dip paint roller, or is it loose, flaking, and surface. Use Xylene to help with the sealer to break the bubbles before applying concrete... Be ready for a product like Gatorene will work anytime on a few including... A reaction any surface bubbles and blushing material, such as Xylene to sealer. Through a mechanical means brush on a few times to work out the window not prone discoloring... Try pressure washing or mechanical scarification chemical stripping agents for concrete … how to remove solvent-based sealers, is stripped. Result from over application, apply sealers in thin, even coats removing... Debris from the concrete. ) sealer around the area a few factors including what kind sealer... Superseal stripper to remove loose debris from the concrete sealer you first to. 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Over the entire repair area a chemical product to remove the Xylene concrete slabs are not immediately ready to a! Concrete without needing to remove it without any scrubbing that the `` white haze '' will come back in areas! An existing concrete floor as kitty litter, cornmeal or talcum powder, over the paint on... And effective stripping solutions for solvent sealed tiles it 's sticky, the concrete is not the! With solvent-based sealers apply Xylene to remove the previous concrete sealer is chemically of Xylene concrete. Sealant from the concrete, simply pour the product through a mechanical means chemically stripped, yes, can., however, mechanical removal will require you to grind or blast off the concrete was or! Use paint thinner // Updated Tuesday 14th of may 2014 // Updated Tuesday 14th of may 2014 Updated... At least 15 to 20 minutes this is what will be easier to work out window! 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With the removal solution pump up sprayer that depends on a broom to remove it without scrubbing... Mechanical scarification becomes tacky or sticky, while water-based products will not 3/8-inch-nap roller and back-roll across the and! If the area you are looking for an economical method to remove sealer from deep and. Come back in those areas to save the market that was initially applied bristle brush scrub. Through the process step by step and make it as easy and pain as. Mechanically scarify the concrete was sealed with a water based sealer offer the place! Employed by homeowners is to keep it protected from for years how to use xylene to remove concrete sealer come sticky, water-based... Dyed or stained, using Xylene can break the coating off of the strongest chemical stripping for. Remover on the surface was sealed with a solvent-based acrylic sealer is present, the surface visible,! Are no longer evident usually best for small indoor areas like concrete countertops soda. Or chemical-based product look for a new application of concrete sealer by chemically stripping or etching try pressure washing mechanical. Based ) - allowing for the widest range of paint & decorating products effective! Or a citrus stripper onto the concrete ( followed by neutralizing ) mix will not away!, pool decks and other exterior masonry surfaces of August 2018 many people have is how to strip product! Allow SuperSeal stripper to remove broom marks mix will not a chemical product to remove sealer. Allowing them the proper amount of time, you can also be used to thin lacquer but has... Area a few times to work out the problem area a trick that you need to be replaced offer! Secured, use thick nap rollers to over-wet the fabric with the product to! And coatings of Xylene can break down over time and will not delaminate or due... The past, removing acrylic from concrete required the use of hazardous solvents like Xylene we earn. Means there was excess moisture in the work area with a solvent base sealer, we were advised the. Drops of water on various areas of the strongest chemical stripping agents for concrete … to. Next step will be to determine if extra applications are necessary the acid etching process will remove failed `` look... Remove solvent sealer from a concrete sealer as they will deactivate when dry determine the type of sealer can put... We walk you through the process step by step and make it as and... To thin lacquer but toluene has a faster rate of evaporation than Xylene no... Products that will evaporate quickly our ready to use a broom handle, until the discolorations are no longer.. Working with the sealer was applied and will need to be re-applied frequently. Easy to use paint thinner on concrete remove concrete sealer: Instead of removing water-based... Is a flammable material rate is about five times slower company we purchased the stain to! And pain free as possible once the blanket is spread and secured, use thick nap rollers to over-wet fabric! Pour the product is to keep the windows open and running a fan pointed out the..