Old Sealer Chipping Away

s.smith

I have a concreted outside patio that was once sealed and is chipping away. Initially i was just going to pressure washing it away, is there any chemical/remover i can use to help with this. the patio is huge!!

pattyson

Sounds like you mean the sealer is flaking? or is the concrete chipping away?
Is it colored and stamped?
You gonna reseal after removing the old sealer?

pattyson

I forget to reread the title... haha
what kind of sealer... solvent or water based?

pattyson

I gotta split so ill just if it.
Sounds like it was solvent based, and was just rolled on with a paint roller really thick. I figure its stamped and colored. Try some xylene on a farway spot, it should thin the sealer down and the concrete will absorb it. the xylene will evap off.
or just reseal it with a thinned down sealer say 40% sealer and 60% xylene... I normally us 60% sealer and 40% xylene for new concrete. It soaks into the surface better, and doesnt flake away. I use a generous amout too. Oh ya, I spray it on.

Dont pressure wash, it will take off release powder (antiqued look) Might cut into concrete.... my buddy tryed to p wash some paint off, and it just scared up the concrete bad.

s.smith

yeah, its painted some funky green color, it is definitely flaking. Where do i get xylene? Do i have to sand the flakes? Or just go over it?

pattyson

hmmm.... painted a green color?? That doesn't sound like a concrete "sealer" at all. Disregard my advice untill we figure out what your dealing with... It might just be old "painted" concrete. Post some pics...
If it was paint, maybe a paint stripper would work? I donno. Paint can be sandblasted too. A mild pressure wash like you said could just be the ticket too.

Xylene... pronounced zi-lean can be bought at most home improvement stores by the gallon or quart... and 5 gallons at a paint store.
What are your going to do after you get it off???? reseal it, repaint it, resurface it?