However, vinegar isn't strong enough to remove concrete sealant. Sealants can resist acid, and vinegar is a much weaker acid than chemical removal agents. And worse, vinegar can damage concrete by dulling it and causing pitting.
Start by removing any visible peeling and flaking and use a solvent based stripper such as Xylene to remove the previous sealer. (If concrete was dyed or stained, using Xylene can damage or change the color of the concrete.) Pressure wash the surface and allow concrete to completely dry.
FastStrip is one of the strongest chemical stripping agents for concrete and is widely used by professional contractors and decorative applicators to prepare a slab with heavy amounts of residual sealers, concrete coatings, and stains to receive a finished surface.
The best method I know of for removing “acrylic sealer” from stamped concrete is using a product called Deco-Peel. I recommend purchasing one kit first to make sure it does the job.
A strong enough power washer will blast most types of sealer off of concrete with ease. The trick is to make sure to pressure wash the entire surface area. For more sturdy sealers, it may take a few passes with the pressure washer to get it completely removed.
A simple floor stripper or paint and epoxy remover is something you can use to remove asphalt sealer. A caveat, though: you can only use paint and epoxy remover on concrete, metal, wood, and masonry. Do not use this on vehicles and walls as the product could strip the clear coat or paint off.
When the sealer is applied too heavily, the air displaced through the surface can't escape, and it forms a bubble in the sealer surface. Bubbling of a sealer can also occur if application is done in hot weather, or if the concrete is in direct sun.
Sealers can be removed with mechanical means such as sandblasting or grinding. But for many contractors, it's a last resort. It destroys the original surface, exposes the aggregate and is a mess to clean up.
The easiest way to remove a concrete sealer is to begin by acid etching the surface of the concrete with muriatic acid. This process can be dangerous if you are unfamiliar with it; however, it is well within the ability of any ordinary homeowner, as long as the proper care is taken.
Acrylic Concrete Sealers: Acrylic sealers last 1-3 years before they need to be re-coated. Epoxy Coatings: Epoxy coatings last 5-10 years before they need to be re-coated. Urethane Coatings: Urethane coatings last 5-10 years before they need to be re-coated.
If there are white spots or a cloudy light gray or deeper color tone on your concrete after applying a sealer, you will probably need to use chemical products like acetone or xylene. These products are similar and can help with the type of sealer issue.
Natural Stone Countertops. Granite, marble and concrete are porous. Spraying these surfaces with vinegar can cause etching and loss of shine.
Mix equal parts of water to vinegar if you need to remove light to medium stains. Use full-strength vinegar if you need to remove heavily soiled concrete and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing it off with water.
Sealers are low viscosity materials that can be water- or solvent-based. They are typically applied by low-pressure spray to concrete surfaces. The sealer provides protection by penetrating the pores of the concrete, leaving little measurable film on the surface. Because of this, a typical problem is light coverage.
Glycolic acid is preferred in concrete cleaners and removers as it combines the essential cleaning attributes, required acidity, and necessary metal complexing capability for concrete cleaners and cement dissolving formulations.
Phosphoric acid, trisodium phosphate, and muriatic acid all dissolve concrete. Phosphoric acid is the most common acid used for this task. Only use muriatic acid after removing all other acids. It's vital that it's not mixed with other types of acid.
Unibond 1584200 Silicone Sealant Remover, Effective Sealant Remover for Thorough Removal, High-Strength Silicone Remover for Ceramic Tiles, Baths and Toilets, 1 x 80 ml.
Over time, heavy coats of sealer lose adhesion to the concrete surface and flake off.
Apply the first coat, waiting at least two hours before applying the second. Check your sealant can for specific drying times. Apply two thin coats to ensure a smooth and even finish. If you're sealing an interior concrete floor, make sure that you have plenty of ventilation.
The acetone is great at removing sealers, super-strong adhesives. It may react with the tile, so you want to make sure that you try it first in an area and if you've got nail polish remover, in the house, with acetone give it a test.
GATOR SEALER STRIPPER is extremely effective for removing sealer from concrete paver or stone. It is a paste, it is easily applied with a brush, or roller. GATOR SEALER STRIPPER is formulated to remain wet and effective over extended periods. Always perform a test area to determine exact reacting time.