Driveway Sealant Removal

Mechanical Removal

• The most straightforward way to remove concrete driveway sealant is also one of the more expensive and time-consuming approaches. The most common form of mechanical removal involves paying professionals to use large, high-powered machines to physically grind or scrape a very thin layer of material from the surface of your driveway. This approach is loud, painstaking and often expensive. You may be able to save some money by renting a scraper or grinder and doing the job yourself, but unless you are skilled with such machines, the job will likely take longer, be much more frustrating and not yield the same quality in terms of results. If you want minimal involvement and high quality and you don't mind paying for them, this may be the best approach for you.

Chemical Removal

• Removing driveway sealant with chemicals tends to be much less labor-intensive than using mechanical methods, but it is also a lot messier and potentially more dangerous. The chemicals in most concrete sealant removal products are usually very strong and very toxic. While applying them, wear heavy-duty protective gear, including safety goggles, a respiratory mask and liquid-resistant clothing such as rubber boots and gloves. In addition, take precautions to ensure the chemicals do not come into contact with plants or animals, and you may need to take special steps to clean up and dispose of the residue once the chemicals have broken down the sealant. If you want to do the job yourself with optimal efficiency and aren't worried about handling harsh chemicals, this may be a good approach.

Environmentally Friendly Removal

• Some newer liquid sealant removers are based on natural ingredients derived from plants, making them much less toxic to people, plants and pets. These environmentally friendly products work in similar ways as traditional chemical sealant removers, but their natural ingredients tend to take quite a bit longer to work. You should still be careful to avoid unnecessary skin contact or vapor inhalation with these products, but they are much easier to use and remove. If you want to remove driveway sealant effectively without incurring undue risk or expense, and you don't mind taking plenty of time to do the job right yourself, this could be the ideal approach for you.