Roller marks are one of the most common issues that arise when concrete sealer isn’t applied correctly. Because of this, many people often wonder how to efficiently remove it.
Applying Xylene to the affected area is a popular and effective solution to get rid of roller marks on concrete sealer. Applying an efflorescence cleaner can also work depending on the sealer type. Otherwise, you can also choose to sand then reseal the surface.
With all the solutions available, there’s no need to worry if you encounter roller marks. Read on below to find out everything you need to know about each of these options.
Table of Contents
How to Remove Roller Marks From Concrete Sealer
Roller marks can commonly occur when applying concrete sealer with a roller.
Rollers are a specific type of applicator that is recommended for low-viscosity concrete sealers, which can be determined by the presence of under 30% solids. Roller marks can appear when sealers are applied using a heavy force, using a roller on heavy solids especially on smooth interior surfaces, without keeping a wet edge, or unevenly on the surface.
Time
If the roller marks are in an area that is not easily visible or commonly used, you can also just allow it to disappear on its own with time. After all, sealers will age due to wear and tear eventually, so any roller marks that occurred from a previous application will eventually disappear when subject to the elements.
In the event that you do need to remove the roller marks right away, try these methods.
Xylene
Xylene is a widely-used corrective agent for roller marks on concrete sealers.
Keep in mind that using xylene is only effective for water-based sealers acrylic sealers within the first 24-48 hours after application. However, if you used a solvent-based sealer, you can use xylene anytime.
- 1Apply xylene to the affected area either by pouring or using a hand-held roller. Let the xylene sit on the surface for up to 2 minutes until the sealer has visibly softened up.
- 2Dampen a hand roller using xylene, then apply the roller back and forth with your hand as if you were painting a surface. Start in areas of heavy sealer coverage and work towards the light areas with a goal of uniformly covering the surface while trying to ensure a consistent and even covering.
- 3Continue the process until the xylene has repaired the entire affected area.
- 4If there is any excess sealer discovered during this process, you can use a 2” solvent-resistant paint brush to remove it.
- 5Let the xylene evaporate while the sealer dries. Repeat steps 1-4 if there is excessive acrylic buildup.
Once these steps have been completed, reapply the topcoat evenly.
Tips for using xylene
Resealing
Resealing is the last resort for fixing roller marks in concrete sealer. It’s the most laborious, time-consuming, and costly option so this should only be done if the other methods don’t work.
First, gently sand the sealer surface using a fine sandpaper, though a screen of 220 grit or under will work too. If the affected areas are small, you can work with a hand-held palm sander. Smooth the ridges of the lap lines then wash the surface and leave it to dry.
Once the surface is dry, apply a new but very thin coating of the same sealer that you used. Alternatively, you can also apply several thin coats of wax or finish. If the lap lines are a minor issue, then several thin coatings of wax or finish will be adequate for covering the lap lines and will result in a smooth, even surface.
However, if the roller mark issue is extreme, you may want to remove the sealer and apply a new coat. Before deciding to remove the sealer, you first have to know if a water-based or solvent-based sealer was used. Once you know the type of sealer used, you can then apply the appropriate methods or products for removing each.
To remove water-based concrete sealer, apply a stripper made for water-based concrete sealers. Allow it to do its work removing the sealer by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the sealer has already softened the concrete, scrape any excess sealer mechanically.
To remove solvent-based sealer, scrape off any concrete sealer that is already chipping or flaking off. Then apply a solvent-based stripper, allow it to soak, and then scrape off any excess sealer. Repeat if necessary until all sealer has been removed.
Avoiding Roller Marks
Though you can correct roller marks, the goal is to avoid them completely so that you can ensure the job is done properly from the start.
Here are tips for avoiding roller marks in the future:
Having good control over your application and using the proper applicator are essential to avoiding roller marks whenever applying sealer.
With this helpful information, you’ll have everything you need to avoid roller marks in the future or remove them properly if they do occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to remove streaks from concrete sealer?
Streaks can occur when applying concrete sealers if the product has been applied unevenly, without a wet edge, or too heavily. This can be avoided by applying thin and even coats, with a light hand.
The most effective way to remove streaks on concrete sealer is by applying a small amount of xylene on the affected area. This would only work if you used a solvent-based acrylic sealer and if it’s water-based, streaks must be corrected with xylene within 48 hours of application.
Let xylene sit on the surface of the concrete sealer for 1-2 minutes, until the sealer softens up on the concrete. Dip a hand roller in some xylene, ensuring the roller is damp, then apply it back and forth aiming for uniformity. Continue the process until the xylene has covered the streaky affected area.
Use a 2” paint brush made for solvent-based sealers for removing any excess. Allow the xylene to evaporate as the sealer dries up. Lastly, apply the sealer topcoat.
