How to Know If Your Old Concrete Sealer Needs to Be Removed

If your stamped or colored concrete doesn’t look as good as it used to — it might not just need a reseal. In many cases, the old sealer needs to be removed first before a new one can properly bond.

Here's how to tell when it's time to remove the old sealer — and why it matters.

Signs Your Old Sealer is Causing Problems

1. White haze or cloudy spots This often means moisture is trapped under the sealer — usually from too many coats or poor-quality product. Resealing won’t fix it.

2. Flaking or peeling If the sealer is coming off in patches, it’s no longer bonded. Rolling more on top will only make it worse.

3. Uneven color or blotchy finish A buildup of sealer can create uneven gloss, trapping dirt and changing how the color shows through.

4. Surface feels slick or plastic-like Too many layers can create a slippery, plastic film that traps grime and makes cleaning harder — and dangerous when wet.

5. 
   

When You Don’t Need to Remove the Sealer

• If the concrete just looks dull or dry but is in good shape

• No peeling or whitening is visible

• The last sealer was solvent-based and hasn’t built up too heavily

In these cases, we often apply xylene to soften the top layer, then re-roll fresh sealer. This brings back the gloss and resets the finish.

How We Remove Sealer (Without Damaging the Concrete)

When removal is necessary, we usually use sandblasting or chemical stripping depending on the situation. Here’s what we look for:

• How many layers are built up

• Whether it's water-based or solvent-based

• The surface texture (e.g., stamped vs. broom finish)

We always test a small area first — then remove just enough to prep for a proper reseal or recolor.

Final Thoughts

If your concrete sealer is peeling, whitening, or just doesn’t look right — resealing might actually make it worse. Let us take a look first.

💬 We’ll tell you if it needs a full removal or just a light refresh. Contact us for a free inspection or advice.