The driveway sealer is essential as it’s designed to protect your concrete from the elements. However, after some time, it may start to flake in spots and make your driveway look atrocious. If you want to put another finish or sealer, you may be forced to remove the outdated asphalt sealer in preparation for the new one. But the process is not as easy as you think.
If you intend to remove asphalt sealer from your concrete, you should be prepared for some cumbersome and time-consuming work. There are products on the market built for this kind of work. On top of that, you will need some tools to get the job done.
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How to remove asphalt sealer from concrete easily?
Here are critical things that you will need before you get started:
- Chemical stripper
- Gloves
- Broom
- Cloth
- Bucket
- Boots
- Safety goggles
- Nose mask
- Squeegee
- Paint scraper
- Pressure washer
- Garden hose
- All-purpose cleaner or cleaning detergent
With these tools, you will have a smooth operation. It’s essential to protect yourself when removing asphalt sealer as the chemical stripper is potent and may affect some individuals. Besides, you can even put on work clothes as things can get messy.
Here is the procedure to follow to remove the asphalt sealer:
Step 1: After gathering all the right tools, the next thing to do is prepare the area to remove the sealer. If it’s a small area, this will not take most of your time, but if it’s a large area, be ready to spend more than half a day removing the sealer.
Start by putting on protective clothing, boots, safety goggles, a nose mask, and gloves. Next, sweep the area that you want to remove the asphalt sealer with a broom. If dirt and dust are lingering behind, use a damp cloth to clear it from the spots you want to work on.
Related article: How can you easily remove grass from your Asphalt driveway?
Step 2: When you’re done cleaning, the next step is to apply a chemical stripper. Please take the right amount of chemical stripper and pour it on the area you want to remove the sealer. Work in phases to do a commendable job. Start with up going downwards.
After pouring the stripper, use a squeegee to spread it out over the designated area. Ensure to spread correctly around the area that you want to remove the sealer.
Step 3: Allow the chemical stripper to set for at least 15 minutes. This step is really vital as it allows the stripper to get to work and weaken the asphalt sealer. If you don’t let the chemical stripper set in, the sealer will be tough to remove.
Besides, you should apply it evenly as too much of it may runoff. Furthermore, you should only apply to the areas you want to remove the asphalt sealer and not the entire concrete.
Step 4: After the chemical stripper has set in, it’s now time to get messy. You will have to obtain a paint scraper to remove both the chemical stripper and asphalt sealer. As you get rid of the sealer, you should see rough-looking concrete. Watch out for the splashes and collect the scrapings for proper damping.
In some situations, the asphalt sealer may be stubborn to get off the concrete. If that’s the case, you should add more chemical strippers to the area and give it more than 15 minutes. Repeat scraping, and it will get off. But if it refuses for the second time, you may have to get in touch with a professional contractor to deal with it.
Step 5: If you have successfully removed the sealer, it’s time to rinse the concrete. With the help of a pressure washer or garden hose, spray the water on the concrete before applying a cleaning solution or detergent. It’s best if you use a powerful pressure washer. A pressure washer with a PIS of about 2700 is perfect for such a job.
Step 6: Next, mix 50 percent warm water and 50 percent soap solution or detergent. Pour this mixture on the concrete and thoroughly scrub it. This will ensure that any loose sealer left on the surface is removed. Scrub the concrete for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can now rinse the concrete using your pressure washer or garden hose.
Ensure no sealer or chemical stripper remains behind, as they may affect how effective your sealer works. If possible, rinse as many times as you can to have clean concrete.
Step 7: When you’re done rinsing the concrete, allow it to dry before applying another sealer or a finish of your choice. Depending on the weather, the concrete may dry faster or slow. It’s best if you conduct this duty when there’s the sun.
Why is asphalt sealer the best for concrete?
Asphalt sealer is ideal because it creates the perfect seal. It protects your concrete from moss, water, air, spills, and even chemicals.
How long will it take me to remove the asphalt sealer from the concrete?
It’s vital to comprehend that this won’t be a two-minute job. If your driveway covers a large area, it may take you half a day or more if it’s enormous. Besides, you may have to repair some places on your driveway, which may consume more time. Additionally, you may have to measure the area to purchase the right amount of asphalt sealer for your driveway.
Summary
Removing asphalt sealer from concrete is not an easy thing. However, it’s not impossible as it can be done with the right tools and procedures. Unlike removing sealer on other surfaces, concrete is a hardened surface that allows different methods to be applied as long as it’s in good condition.
If you try the above method and it fails to remove the asphalt sealer, repeat the process and if it fails again, contact a professional contractor to assist you. But with patience and resilience, you should remove asphalt sealer from your concrete.