How to Remove Sealer With a Citrus Degreaser

Indoors and out, concrete is commonly sealed to block porosity and provide protection from stains or structural damage because of water, organic matter, oil, beverage spills and other substances. Occasionally, such as when preparing to stain or paint concrete, the time comes when the sealer needs to be stripped from a concrete surface. Citrus strippers and some heavy-duty citrus degreasers are a non-toxic option for restoring porosity to concrete for the adequate acceptance of stain or paint.

Painter's tape
Plastic sheeting
Paintbrush (optional)
Mop or sponge
Scrub brush
Electric drill with scrubber bit (optional)
Floor machine (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Protect any areas around the surfaces to be stripped, with painter's tape and plastic sheeting.
- 2
  Apply a generous layer of citrus stripper or degreaser to the concrete. Dilute the product with water, if instructed to do so in the manufacturer's directions. Apply citrus stripper or degreaser with a paintbrush or mop.
- 3
  Let the stripper sit for the time indicated in the manufacturer's directions then rinse thoroughly with fresh water. For outdoor projects, flood the surface with a garden hose. For indoor projects, mop or sponge the surfaces with plenty of water, frequently wringing out the implement.
- 4
  Scrub the wet surface thoroughly with a stiff, plastic-bristle scrub brush. Expedite the scrubbing of large surfaces, using a drill equipped with a scrubber brush bit. Rent a floor machine for scrubbing a large concrete floor. If water appears to bead up on the surface of the concrete, another application of citrus stripper or degreaser is necessary.

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