How to Remove Concrete Sealer

In order to do anything other than applying a sealer coating on your concrete, you will first need to remove the concrete sealer. However, if you have a textured or broomed surface, things can be a little tricky.

The smartest way to remove concrete sealer from an uneven surface is to use a chemical stripper. Chemical strippers will do most of the work, although it’d still require some scrubbing on your part. Anytime you buy some new material for your concrete, it is advisable that you try the sample on site to make sure it’s going to work. Chemical strippers have a much better effect on even concrete exteriors. . When you spread the chemical agent over the concrete, allow it to sit for some time and then grate it off the surface. Quite a few of the finest chemical strippers these days are mainly soy based strippers. What makes them all the more effective is the fact that they are non-toxic, ecologically safe and biodegradable.

When the chemical agent has accomplished its job, you will find a thick and sticky mush of the stripper gel and the watery sealer. This entire muddle has to be removed from the surface in order to make way for a new sealing component. A blade scraper is the most useful device on flat concrete. After scraping it off, deposit the stripper gel and concrete sealer remains in a container that ensures no adverse reaction will take place. The procedure is then repeated till the absolute elimination of all solid materials from the concrete surface. Make sure you follow the state ecological rules and conventions and get rid of the waste accordingly.

However, the scraping process is occasionally rendered ineffective on stamped or embossed concrete exteriors. The use of a bristled and non-reactive scrub brush or broom instead of a scraper is recommended in such cases. While using it, keep your focus on the groove designs and textured spots. The concrete sealer is likely to be stuck in those areas. Try to be careful so as not to mar the design indentations by applying excessive pressure on the surface. Another disadvantage of such mechanical removal of sealers from concrete is the noise and dust that is created. However, it still remains an efficient way of eliminating concrete sealing material.

When you are done with clearing out the dirt, move on to a final clean-up with soap and hot water. As recommend by various concrete experts, employ a high pressure cleaner for this. The high pressure stream will remove any residual stripper gel or concrete sealer. Some of the new generation cleaners have safely replaced hydrochloric acid to clean concrete, tile, brick and even delicate frames of glass and aluminum. It eliminates waste stripping, fluorescent lime, excess mortar, lichens, dyes and other stains. These products can best prepare the concrete to ensure the reaction and the penetration of patina coloring glazes and decoration. It also ensures better grip for a future application of finishing products.

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