Dulux Avista Sealer Stripper 20L — Professional Concrete Coating Remover

The Dulux Avista Sealer Stripper is a powerful gel-based stripping compound specifically formulated to remove both solvent-based and water-based concrete sealers in a single application. Its thick, clingy gel consistency allows it to adhere to vertical and horizontal surfaces alike, penetrating multiple layers of aged sealer to lift them from the substrate — saving hours of labour compared to mechanical grinding or sanding.

Engineered without Methylene Chloride (MC) or N-Methyl Pyrrolidone (NMP), this water-based stripper is a safer choice for applicators and the environment whilst still delivering professional-grade stripping performance. After the dwell period, the lifted sealer residue and stripper are simply washed away with water — no harsh solvent clean-up required.

Key Features & Benefits

• Powerful Gel Formula: Clings to horizontal and vertical surfaces for maximum contact time and penetration through multiple sealer layers.
• Strips Both Sealer Types: Effective on solvent-based acrylics, water-based acrylics, and most common concrete coating systems — one product for all stripping jobs.
• Single Application: Designed to remove multiple layers of sealer in one application — no need for repeated stripping cycles.
• MC & NMP Free: Formulated without Methylene Chloride or N-Methyl Pyrrolidone — safer for the user and the environment.
• Water Clean-Up: Residue washes away with water — no solvent disposal issues.
• Interior & Exterior: Suitable for use on internal and external concrete surfaces.

Ideal Applications

• Stripping failed or aged sealer from concrete driveways
• Removing peeling or flaking coatings before resealing
• Preparing previously sealed surfaces for a new coating system
• Stripping accidental overspray or poorly applied sealer
• Resurfaced concrete areas requiring coating removal

Application Guidance

Surface Preparation: Ensure the area is clean and free from loose debris. Protect surrounding surfaces, landscaping, and fixtures from splashes. Test on a small inconspicuous area first to confirm compatibility and results.

Application: Apply an even, generous coat of the gel stripper using a nap roller or paint brush. Do not spread too thinly — a thick wet film is essential for effective penetration.

Dwell Time: Allow the stripper to work for 15–20 minutes for water-based sealers, and up to 60 minutes for solvent-based sealers. Do not allow the gel to dry out — if it begins to dry, apply a fresh coat to re-wet the surface. In hot or windy conditions, dwell time may be shorter.

Removal: Once the sealer has lifted and softened, remove the residue using a stiff-bristled broom or scraper and wash thoroughly with water — ideally using a pressure washer for best results. For heavy or multiple layers, a second application may be required.

Post-Stripping: Allow the concrete to dry completely (minimum 24–48 hours) before applying a new sealer. Ensure all stripper residue is removed — any remaining chemical can interfere with new sealer adhesion.

Clean-Up: Wash tools and equipment with water.

Safety: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Use in a well-ventilated area.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if my existing sealer needs stripping or just a maintenance coat?

If the existing sealer is peeling, flaking, or has turned white and chalky, it should be stripped before resealing. If it is simply dull or has lost water-beading ability but is still sound and well-adhered, a clean and maintenance coat may suffice. A simple adhesion test — applying strong adhesive tape to the surface and pulling sharply — can help: if sealer comes away with the tape, stripping is needed.

2. Will the stripper damage my concrete or surrounding surfaces?

The Sealer Stripper is formulated to target the sealer coating, not the concrete. However, it is a powerful chemical product. Protect surrounding surfaces including painted areas, metal fixtures, timber, and soft landscaping from splashes and runoff. Test on an inconspicuous area first. The product will not etch or damage properly cured concrete when used as directed.

3. Can I use this stripper on epoxy or polyurethane coatings?

The Dulux Avista Sealer Stripper is primarily designed for acrylic sealers (solvent-based and water-based). Epoxy and polyurethane are chemically cross-linked coatings that are significantly more resistant to chemical stripping. For these coatings, mechanical preparation (grinding or shot blasting) is typically the most effective removal method. Test a small area first to gauge effectiveness.

4. How many square metres does a 20L pail cover?

Coverage is approximately 0.5 m² per litre, meaning a 20L pail covers roughly 10 m² per application. This may seem low compared to sealers, but the stripper must be applied in a thick gel layer to be effective — thin application will dry out before penetrating the sealer. For larger areas, multiple pails will be required.

5. What happens if the gel dries on the surface before I wash it off?

If the gel dries out, it loses its ability to penetrate and lift the sealer. Reapply a fresh coat to re-wet the dried stripper and allow it to dwell for the recommended time before attempting removal. In hot or windy conditions, work in smaller sections and monitor the surface closely to prevent drying.

6. Can I dispose of the wash-off water down the stormwater drain?

No. The wash-off contains stripped sealer residue and chemical stripper — it must not enter stormwater drains, waterways, or garden beds. Collect wash-off water where possible using a wet vacuum or absorbent booms, and dispose of it according to local regulations for chemical waste. Check with your local council for guidance on disposal of coating removal waste.

7. How long must I wait before applying a new sealer after stripping?

Allow the concrete to dry completely — a minimum of 24–48 hours in warm, dry conditions, and longer in cool or humid weather. The surface must be thoroughly rinsed to remove all stripper residue, as any remaining chemical will interfere with the adhesion of the new sealer. If in doubt, a pH test or a small test patch of new sealer can confirm readiness.