How do you strip acrylic sealers?

Answer 1

Most sealers can be stripped in one of two ways: chemical or abrasive.

Chemical cleaners include solvent based strippers, like Jasco. These contain very effective but somewhat hazardous chemicals. (see the study done in California: http://www.irta.us/PaintStrippers06.pdf ) Other products use a citrus or soybean source and seem to work well. All of these are messy and create a residue which must be contained and disposed off. Tip: Dwell Time is your best friend - let the chemical do the hard work by keeping it damp and penetrating.

Abrasive methods can include aggressive power washing (usually 3,000 psi or higher, sometimes with special "rotary" tips. These are potentially dangerous to users and substrate if used too close, in the same spot for too long, or with too narrow a tip, a 250 fan tip is about the minimum. Many times a chemical product will be used prior to, or in conjunction with pressure washing.

Abrasion also includes "bead blasting" or sand blasting. Both require specialized equipment and professional skills. Similarly, some rental locations offer concrete "planers" or "scarifiers. These remove far more than just the sealer! Sanding or screening by hand or with rentable walk behind equipment is possible for many applications.

Last: Ask yourself: why are you stripping? If for a subsequent sealer check with the manufacturer - sanding or cleaning may be adequate. If for a penetrating stain or dye - a much more thorough removal, rinse, and testing may be required.