Removing sealers can be one of the most daunting experiences for the contractor. Typically a removal will include a lot of elbow grease, solvent fumes, lots and lots of scrapping and much aggravation. We did a little research on the Decorative Concrete Forums and compiled a few suggestions from contractors that have been successful removing sealers. Using a cotton sheet and solvent: Instead of using paint removers and scraping the old sealer off by hand, you can simply use a flat white cotton sheet and a solvent. Place the sheet on the sealed surface, spray the active ingredient such as a Xylene, Toluene or other strong solvent onto the sheet and soak it real well. Wait until the solvent is fully dried and remove the sheet and the sealer will come right up with it. You may need to repeat several times but according to a few contractors it works like a charm. How does it work? Well, the solvent penetrates thought the sealer, re emulsifies it and then the sealer will soak the sheet, after it dries it is stuck to the sheet and not to the floor. It may need to be repeated because if the sheet is not completely flat you'll miss some areas. I suggest you go to a few garage sales and buy some old sheets so your wife won't be upset you are using your good sheets from home. Also use only white sheets as colored ones will discolor and may stain the floor. If you are going to use this system always make sure you have extinguished all pilot lights and flames, have enough ventilation and wear proper respiratory equipment. Always follow extreme precautions when dealing with flammable solvents. These commercially available strippers and sealer removers were highly recommended by contractors: Soy Gel from Franmar Hydrostrip From ICI Zep Citrus Strip Napier's Removall KS3 Citraclean. We suggest you do some testing before using any of these strippers before acid staining, we know that Bean-e-doo mastic remover will remove glues and mastic very effectively but it darkens the concrete and affects the stain. Test!, Test!, Test! For more information or questions please visit the Decorative Concrete Forums.   Art Pinto Decosup Inc.   Copyright © 2006 Decosup Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this article may be reproduced without the express consent or permission from Decosup Inc. | Home | Products Page | Decorative Concrete Gallery | Training | Technical Data | About us