Block paving disaster

[Eds9332]

Hello,

So I decided to rejuvenate my block paved driveway, I used a Karcher jet wash to clean, resanded with Kiln dried sand, then sealed with Thomsons sealer (Novice mistake)
The problem I have is that I didn't sweep all the excess sand away before sealing so there are quite a few blocks that have impregnated sand on top. I have tried removing the sealer but no joy. I have subsequently left the block paving in a mess.

Any advise would be appreciated

[Eds9332]

Any one? How can I remove the sealant from the blocks?

[RAPressureWashing]

To remove the Thompson's shite you need a product called Mira strip, from Tiling Logistics, or you can use heat (steam) to remove, either way a messy job.

[Eds9332]

Thanks for the reply, I was thinking of renting a motorised power washer to strip the sealant back, would this do the job?

[RAPressureWashing]

Thanks for the reply, I was thinking of renting a motorised power washer to strip the sealant back, would this do the job?

Nope, it is a glorified glue the Thompson's crap so either the solvent which is the Mira Strip or heat as in a Hot pressure washer, you'll need to go up to around 100 degrees plus, as I said it is a very messy job, believe me I have removed loads of the shit, you'll also need to allow time, as around 25-30 sq meters a day is about all you'll get removed.

[seanandruby]

Done a few jobs where we lay blinding, powerfloat. When it's dry cover the blinding in wax. On top of that we lay a proper re-inforced slab, do the walls that hold the slab. Once it is all cured dig out underneath. Once it's all dug out the blinding is broken down from under the slab. Why am i telling this story? Because the wax is left and has to be removed, that's where the hot jet wash comes in and as Roger says: it is a dirty / messy job, especially from under the wax. I'm wondering if it is quicker to take up blocks and lay new ???

[Eds9332]

Thanks for the advise, my driveway isn't big so shouldn't be too time consuming.

Any advise on how to apply Mira strip?

[seanandruby]

Just google Mira strip directions for use and it comes up in pdf format. Says: not to mix it, or dilute it with anything, leave it on for 20ish minutes. If you follow istructions you'll be fine.

[Eds9332]

I have placed an order for the miracle mia strip,so will let you
Know if I have any success.

I have used Kingfishers solvent no 2, (paint thinner) which was recommended by them, However it has discoloured the blocks and didn't work, when the drive is wet it disappears, how can I bring the colour back so it's all uniform? Sealant?

[RAPressureWashing]

I have placed an order for the miracle mia strip,so will let you
Know if I have any success.

I have used Kingfishers solvent no 2, (paint thinner) which was recommended by them, However it has discoloured the blocks and didn't work, when the drive is wet it disappears, how can I bring the colour back so it's all uniform? Sealant?

Don't know that product, but the fact that it is called a "thinner" is not going to be the right product IMO, as there sounds like there is still so Thompson's rubbish left behind. Can you post a photo of the paving? one wet & one dry? You need to remove the Thompson's completely which the Mira Strip will do, sometimes you do have to apply it twice, really depends how thick you applied the rubbish sealer in the first place. This isn't a dig at you, it is just that the product you have used is so rubbish that I don't know how they get away with selling it.

[Eds9332]

Ok pictures of the affected areas












upload pic

Cheers

[RAPressureWashing]

That looks like residue left on the paving from the sealer, so unfortunately the Kingfisher stuff didn't remove it all, was the Kingfisher product just an Xylene based product? if it is then that's the reason why. Xylene will start to remove the Thompson's but drop it back down to quick thus leaving the residue. As I said the Mira Strip will get rid of it.

[Eds9332]

So I gave the Mira strip a go today but it didn't seem to remove the mighty Thomsons sealant. Any other suggestions/products?

[RAPressureWashing]

So I gave the Mira strip a go today but it didn't seem to remove the mighty Thomsons sealant. Any other suggestions/products?

How long did you leave the Mira Strip on for? How cold was it when you were doing this?

[Eds9332]

It was pretty cold today, left on for around 5-10 mins whilst agitating with wire brush