How to Strip Sealant From Tile Floors

Over time, tile floors can become grimy and dull. Most tile floors have a sealant applied shortly after installation. The sealant is intended to keep the floors nice and shiny, but the composition of the sealant can change due to foot traffic and other factors, and attract dirt and debris that become embedded in the sealant.

Things You'll Need

• Goggles
• Varnish remover
• Metal paint tray
• Paint brush
• Metal paint scraper
• Several cloths
• Lacquer thinner
• Broom
• Mop
• Tile and stone cleaner
• Water

Instructions

Applying the Remover

1. Work on one tile at a time. Be sure that you are wearing goggles to protect your eyes from splatter.

2. Pour varnish remover into a metal paint tray. Do not use a plastic tray, as the varnish remover will melt the plastic.

3. Apply a layer of the varnish remover to the tile with a clean paint brush. The varnish remover should be 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch thick to work properly.

4. Wait 20 seconds for the varnish remover to do its work.

5. Determine the method required to remove the sealant.

Individual Sealants

1. Remove water-based acrylic sealant by scraping the varnish and sealant off the tile with a metal paint scraper. When varnish remover is spread over water-based acrylic sealant, the result is a gel-like substance.

2. Clean up petroleum-based acrylics with a clean terry cloth. Petroleum-based acrylics dissolve when varnish remover is applied. Discard the terry cloths when you are done.

3. Scrape petroleum-based urethanes and alkyds away from the tile with a metal paint scraper. When you apply varnish remover to these sealants, the sealant will blister and peel, and then become a powdery substance.

Clean Up

1. Put all of the debris from the sealant-removal process in a metal waste container. When it has dried completely, discard it with your regular garbage.

2. Dampen a cloth with lacquer thinner. Wipe each tile after removing the sealant and varnish remover. If light spots remain on the tile, scrub them with the cloth.

3. Sweep away any leftover debris and mop the floor completely. Use a solution of 2 to 4 ounces of tile-and-stone cleaner mixed with 1 gallon of water. Make sure the floor is completely dry before you apply a new layer of sealant.

References

• Roval: Strip and Reseal Procedures