Most concrete hardscape sealers start to degrade after two years in Denver. Over time our hot Colorado sun breaks down the surface, letting water under the sealer and turning it white, causing flaking and peeling. There are several ways to strip off and remove sealers from patios, porches, driveways, and walkways before they are resealed and renewed.
Determining the Type of Sealant Used
The type of sealer determines the best approach for its removal. To test whether the old sealant is water or solvent-based, pour a small amount of Xylene on the surface, rub it in, and let it sit for a minute. Xylene re-emulsifies old solvent concrete sealers. The old coating is solvent based if the surface becomes sticky, tacky, or gooey. If it is not sticky, then the old sealant is water-based.
How to Remove Old Sealant from Stamped Concrete or Hardscape Surfaces
Below are the steps to get hardscape surfaces ready for resealing. There are decisions to make depending on the type of sealant that needs to be removed.
- Removal of Dirt
The first step is to sweep or blow off any dirt or loose debris off the surface using a push broom or a leaf blower.
- Pressure Washing
Pressure washing works well for removing water-based concrete sealers. How much and how fast pressure washing removes the sealer depends on the pressure used and how well the sealer has adhered to the concrete. If the water-based coating is less than two years old, pressure washing will get all of the material off. After thoroughly drying, we can reseal the surface without more surface preparation.
- Chemical Removal
Another option is to use chemicals to remove old sealants. Xylene is put into a pump sprayer or poured onto the surface. The application should be done in sections to prevent drying out. The liquid is brushed and scrubbed into the surface to break up the sealant so it can be pressure washed. Once the surface dries, repeat the process to remove any remaining sealant. Xylene is a powerful solvent and, if not handled correctly, dangerous. Reseal and Renew does not use chemicals to remove old sealants for this reason.
- Sandblasting
For tough jobs, we recommend sandblasting. Sandblast takes off all material, including all stains, down to the surface. Sandblasting done by an inexperienced person can damage the surface, so it is best to get a professional company like Reseal and Renew to do this type of surface preparation. Any sandblasted surface will need to be restained before resealing.
Making Patios, Porches, Walks, and Driveways Look Brand New
After the surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried, Reseal and Renew applies the stains and sealants to get the finish and texture desired by the customer, resulting in a brand-new surface that enhances the home and yard. We restore stamped concrete, pebble stone overlay, paver, slate, and flagstone hardscape surfaces. Reseal & Renew recommends sealing concrete surfaces every one to two years to reduce preparation costs.
We start doing hardscape and stamped concrete projects in April. We tend to get busy when it gets warm, so homeowners who want to reseal their hardscape this year should call us now to book an appointment. To make an appointment, call 303-507-7737 or click here to fill out a request service form.