How to Remove Sealer From Concrete Floor

Remove concrete sealer easily with chemical strippers.

Concrete sealers protect the surface of the concrete from stains and excess moisture. Concrete itself is very porous, containing thousands of tiny holes. These tiny holes suck-in and retain any moisture, stain and spill on the unsealed concrete, hence the need for a concrete sealer. Removing the sealer applied to the concrete surface can be a very time consuming job when done correctly, even with the use of the proper supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Painter's tape
• Plastic sheeting
• Broom
• Bucket
• Gentle dish soap
• Long-handled spoon
• 2 mops
• Filter mask
• Safety goggles
• Gloves
• Long-sleeved pants
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Chemical stripper

Instructions

1. Prepare the work area. Remove everything in and around the concrete surface where you are working. Open all interior windows to allow for proper ventilation. Use painter's tape to attach plastic sheeting to baseboards or trim for protection from the chemical stripper. Turn off any fireplaces or pilot lights to eliminate the risk of starting a fire if the chemical stripper is flammable.

2. Sweep the concrete surface with a broom to remove any loose debris, dust or dirt from the floor.

3. Fill a bucket with lukewarm water, and add one or two drops of gentle dish soap. Mix the solution together with a long-handled wood spoon until soapy. Dip a mop into the bucket, and wring out excess water. Mop the concrete surface with the soapy water. Hold the mop under running water to remove all soap residues, and pour out the bucket contents.

4. Fill the empty bucket with clean water. Rinse the concrete floor with the mop and clean water. Allow the concrete to dry for 12 to 24 hours.

5. Don a filter mask, safety goggles, gloves and a pair of long-sleeved pants and shirt to protect your face and skin from the chemical stripper.

6. Mix the chemical stripper with water according to the manufacturer's specifications. Many different brands of chemical strippers will have different instructions to follow. Some strippers need to be mixed with water first, and some are applied straight from the bottle or container.

7. Apply a thick layer of chemical stripper onto the entire surface of the concrete floor with a mop. Use smooth, back-and-forth motions to create an even layer. Allow the stripper to sit on the concrete for the allotted time given on the package instructions -- usually from 15 to 60 minutes.

8. Mop the chemical stripper from the concrete floor with a clean, dry mop, wringing it out as you go. Repeat this procedure until all the stripper is removed from the concrete floor.

9. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 to finish this project.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your local regulations on the best way to dispose of the chemical stripper and residue.

• Always test the chemical stripper on an inconspicuous spot on the concrete floor before you begin.

References

• Concrete Sealer Tips: Removing Concrete Sealer