Specialty Cleaning - Removing Sealers
A sealer may have already been applied to your garage, patio or driveway floors, but despite this, you cannot entirely escape the wear and tear marks acquired over time like cracks, dents, peels, scratches as well as stains caused by grease, oil and tire marks. If you are thinking of removing an existing sealer, it may not be such an easy task unless proper cleaners are used. Sealers are not just on the surface of concrete, but are also found in between the tiny holes of the concrete due to its porous nature. The time and effort required to remove the sealer depends on the age of the sealer as well as whether the surface is indoors or exposed to sunlight.
The following guidelines will assist you in removing your existing sealer safely and easily:
Tip 1: Use the necessary safety tools like sunglasses and gloves to avoid chemical contact on skin and eyes.
Tip 2: Proper preparation of the surface is necessary for effective removal of the sealer.
Tip 3: Thoroughly clean the surface with soap and water to get rid of dirt.
Tip 4: Use a stain remover to get rid of any stains since they will become permanent once another sealer is applied.
Tip 5: Use a degreaser to degrease any oil or grease
Tip 6: Use a citrus based sealer remover that is environmentally friendly to dissolve the existing sealer.
Tip 7: Let the degreaser or sealer remover stand for at least 30 minutes before rinsing.
Tip 8: Rinse the surface with plain water.
Tip 9: Allow the surface to dry before applying a new sealer.
Remember a sealer is necessary to repel stains and keep concrete surfaces in like new condition. It also keeps moisture and water from penetrating the floor. Use one specially formulated for floors; which are stronger and more resilient to traffic and weight. A quality concrete sealer will make the floor look shiny without being slippery. Also, think ahead, use a sealer that adds traction to the floor to get added safety and one that can be used for indoor garages as well as exterior surfaces like the patios and driveways. Always reapply sealers periodically for maintenance. Standard requirements are once per year for protection from weather, stains, fading, mildew, cracking, weed growth and more. You can also consult with someone at a local home improvement store to get advice on the best concrete sealer to use. |