Sealer Removal

Applying a new sealer or coating over an old one that has failed, peeled, or deteriorated is one of the most common and costly mistakes in surface maintenance. The new coating won’t bond properly to a failing substrate — it will peel just as the old one did, often faster.

Proper sealer removal is the essential first step before any new coating, sealer, or resurfacing treatment can be applied effectively. It’s also the right approach when a surface needs to be stripped back to bare concrete for a colour change, a different coating type, or simply a fresh start.

Done correctly, removal leaves the substrate clean, sound, and properly prepared — giving the new treatment the best possible chance of lasting.

Sealer removal is a specialist process — the approach depends on the type of sealer or coating present, the condition it’s in, and the surface beneath it. Our technicians assess all of this before selecting the appropriate removal method.

Assessment
Before work begins, our technician identifies the sealer or coating type, its condition, and the substrate beneath. This determines whether a cleaning solution treatment, pressure washing, or a combination of both is the most appropriate approach — and ensures the removal process doesn’t damage the underlying surface.

Specialist cleaning solution treatment
A specialist cleaning solution is applied to break down the molecular structure of the sealer or coating, lifting it from deep within the surface pores. The solution is allowed to dwell for the time needed to work effectively before the next step begins.

Pressure washing
The dissolved sealer is thoroughly pressure washed from the surface, removing all residue and leaving the substrate clean and prepared. The process is designed to remove the sealer without stripping or damaging the concrete or paver surface beneath.

Surface preparation confirmation
Once the sealer is removed, the surface condition is assessed and confirmed as ready for whatever treatment follows — new sealer, fresh coating, resurfacing, or bare surface.

Failing or peeling sealer
Sealers deteriorate over time due to UV exposure, traffic wear, and weathering. Once a sealer begins to peel or flake, applying a new coat on top will not restore it — the old failing sealer must be removed first.

Wrong sealer applied
Not all sealers are compatible with all surfaces or follow-on products. Where an unsuitable sealer has been applied — one that has caused discolouration, uneven sheen, or trapped moisture — removal is the only way to properly correct it.

Colour or finish change
Where a property owner wants to change the colour of a painted driveway or garage floor, or switch from a gloss to a matte finish or vice versa, the existing coating needs to be stripped back first to ensure the new product performs correctly.

Epoxy or coating update
Worn or outdated epoxy coatings on garage floors, factory floors, and car parks need to be removed before new coatings can be applied — particularly where adhesion testing shows the existing coating is no longer properly bonded to the substrate.

Return to bare surface
Where the preference is to return a surface to its natural bare concrete or paver appearance — whether for aesthetic reasons or to apply a different treatment type — complete sealer removal is the starting point.

• Concrete driveways — plain, stencilled, and exposed aggregate
• Clay and concrete pavers
• Pebblecrete
• Garage and factory floors
• Natural stone — sandstone, bluestone, limestone, granite
• Commercial car park surfaces
• Footpaths and pedestrian paving