how to remove asphalt sealer from concrete
Kristina Davis

Learning how to remove asphalt sealer from concrete can come in handy in so many situations.

Pavements, fences, bridges, roads, walkways, and more are all protected and preserved by asphalt sealers.  

But, accidents may happen, and the treated surface may have some drips or spills that leave sealant residue on the concrete underneath.

And that is when you may ask how to remove asphalt seal coat from concrete.

You can remove asphalt sealer from concrete using chemical solvents or mechanical techniques. 

Can You Remove the Driveway Sealer from the Concrete?

drilling the concrete

What is really disappointing for people who work with concrete? Needing to cope with failed coatings or sealants. Yet, it is frequently the only option for making a concrete floor look like new.

Driveway sealers are hard to handle. These bad boys act as environmental superheroes, shielding your driveway from rain and other damaging elements.

They protect your driveway from unsightly stains and make it appear great.It all changes when you become tired of the way your driveway sealer looks.

But do not worry! You may still be able to get rid of it and restore the driveway’s original appearance.

Fact: Asphalt sealer is often prepared from a coal-tar pitch or asphalt-emulsion base to improve its longevity and performance. 

How to Remove Asphalt Sealer from Concrete?

asphalt sealer

When it comes to getting rid of asphalt sealer, you will have to identify the most suitable method first.

Basically, there are two methods for removing sealers from concrete:

  • Chemical – It involves using chemicals to strip the coating
  • Mechanical – It involves blasting, grinding, and sanding the coating

Sealants, paints, and coatings can be stripped off of concrete in a few different methods. 

An Important Consideration

The mechanical approach can appear harsh at first. It may ruin the look to the point where you cannot even use those lovely translucent decorative finishes.

It is also quite dusty and loud. What a bother!

Fact: Using chemical strippers is a better choice because it is simpler to use and more effective.  

Steps to Remove Asphalt Sealer from Concrete

removing the asphalt sealer

When you have decided you want to remove your asphalt sealer from your driveway.

You can always handle it properly using the following steps: 

Step #1: Get Ready for the Task

So, you have finally worked up the courage to remove asphalt sealant off the concrete, huh? Sweet!

But, you must ensure you are prepared to enter the fray before you do so.

A water supply, some essential home items, and protective gear are all good places to start. Wear a mask, goggles, and gloves to protect yourself, because safety is paramount.

When you are prepared to go, you can really put your stamp on this project. 

Step #2: Prepare the Sealer

preparing the sealer concrete

Naturally, you would like your product to perform flawlessly, and that is when preparation matters.

Be sure to apply it uniformly to the entire problem area. This uniform approach makes it easy to dispose of or clean up the material consistently. Do not skimp on this procedure; doing so will pay off in spades and save you time and energy down the road.

Now that it is taken care of, why don’t you go ahead and take a short break of about 15 minutes?

This will allow the solvent in your solution to penetrate the asphalt and begin breaking down the concrete.

Cleaning up and making things presentable again when you return will be much less of a hassle. 

Step #3: Apply the Solution

Next up, you have to apply the solution to the affected area for the best effects.

Saturate a cotton swab or cloth thoroughly with the liquid. Now is the moment to shine, so be careful to completely coat the asphalt with sealant. Do not hold back – the more saturated, the better!

Now wait 15 minutes so the solvent can do its thing and dissolve the sealant. If it feels a touch weak, don’t be hesitant to add more solvent to the mix.

It is possible that a second attempt will be required; after all, Rome was not built in a day. Just keep at it, and soon your surface will be as good as new!

Step #4: Scrape the Concrete

scraping the sealer

So, you have patiently waited for the solvent to do its thing, right? The final act is here now!

Go get that putty knife you have been saving for just such an occasion, and begin scraping away the liquid solution from anywhere it was applied.

It is time to show that pesky asphalt sealer who’s boss!

After you finish, rinse the surface with water and a quick wipe down with a clean cloth. You don’t want any lingering liquid crashing the party and messing things up later on.   

Step #5: Dry the Surface

driveway dry surface

Now we are in the home stretch! It is time to dry off that concrete slab. To get the concrete dry, grab another rag or a drying buffing pad.

Time to break out the big guns: the leaf blower or broom.

Any dirt and debris that survived your heroic battle with the asphalt sealer should be swept or blown away.

In this way, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises or the need to redo the concrete because it dried improperly.

And with that, you have completed the task! You can take pride in a job well done now that your concrete surface has been restored to its former splendor.  

An Important Consideration

Tired of fighting tenacious asphalt sealers and feeling the heat? Maybe you need to give your mixture another twirl, then apply it liberally and watch the sealer dissolve before your eyes.

Nevertheless, that is not all! Why not use the full force of a pressure washer or steamer to properly clean those hard-to-reach areas?

With the help of these powerful implements, your solvent will be able to reach into the depths of the concrete and finally dislodge that stubborn sealant.  

Picking the Right Type of Concrete Sealer Removers

concrete sealer removers

When trying to remove asphalt sealer, a lot depends on the chemical strippers you use.

You have a number of options here, such as:

  • Solvent-based
  • Caustic
  • Biochemical

Caustic Strippers

Strong alkaline chemicals with a high pH are what caustic strippers are made of.

They dissolve the coating film, making it easy to peel off without damaging the underlying surface. To remove latex, alkyd, or enamel paints from concrete, use one of these strippers.

Nevertheless, caustic strippers should not be used to remove epoxy, acrylic, or polyurethane coatings due to the high chemical resilience of these resins.

However, compared to other chemical strippers, caustic strippers are less effective at temperatures below 50°F.

Therefore, numerous treatments may be required when dealing with thicker-build coatings.

Solvent-Based Strippers

solvent based asphalt sealer remover

Because of their speed, aggression, and ability to strip practically any coating or sealer from a surface in just two applications, solvent-based strippers are a favorite of professional applicators.

A good solvent-based chemical stripper can remove any type of sealer resin used on concrete, including:

  • Acrylic
  • Polyurethane
  • Epoxy
  • Polyurea
  • Polyaspartic
Fact: The stripping process is slowed or halted by heat and wind, thus it is best to use solvent-based strippers when it is calm outside.

Biochemical Strippers

sealer remover with biochemical

Did you know that biochemical strippers are produced using plant-derived acids or esters? Pine oil, maize sugars, citric acid, and soy oil are all often used examples. That is really neat, huh?

When operating in regions where stripper overspray, solvent smells, or rinse water could potentially harm the environment, most experts prefer to use biochemical strippers instead.

These strippers are widely regarded as eco-friendly because of their low toxicity, low odor, and ease of use.

The amount of stripper needed and how long it should be left on the surface are both heavily influenced by the coating’s thickness.

Hence, while they are environmentally friendly, you may need greater patience when employing their use.

Fact: Biochemical strippers are not as powerful as other types of strippers, and need to remain on the surface for longer in order to accomplish their goals.

Takeaway

How to remove asphalt sealer from concrete is no longer tricky. Sealers on concrete can be removed using either chemical strippers or mechanical procedures, with the former being the more convenient and common choice.

Choose the appropriate chemical stripper for the task at hand, such as a solvent-based or caustic stripper. It takes more time and effort to use biochemical strippers, but they are better for the environment.

Just keep in mind that protective gear and a consistent application process are essential for a positive outcome.