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Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2016 9:22 pm
by 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

Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 11:38 am
by Eds9332
Any one? How can I remove the sealant from the blocks?

Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 11:59 am
by 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.

Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 4:02 pm
by Eds9332
Thanks for the reply, I was thinking of renting a motorised power washer to strip the sealant back, would this do the job?

Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 6:00 pm
by RAPressureWashing
Eds9332 wrote: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.

Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 8:28 pm
by 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 ???

Posted: Sun Dec 18, 2016 10:33 pm
by 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?

Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2016 7:55 am
by 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.

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 7:35 pm
by 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?

Posted: Tue Dec 20, 2016 8:30 pm
by RAPressureWashing
Eds9332 wrote: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.

Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2016 11:29 am
by Eds9332
Ok pictures of the affected areas


Image

Image

Image


Image


upload pic

Cheers

Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2016 11:45 am
by 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.

Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2016 10:08 pm
by 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?

Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2016 10:21 pm
by RAPressureWashing
Eds9332 wrote: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?

Posted: Wed Dec 28, 2016 11:10 pm
by Eds9332
It was pretty cold today, left on for around 5-10 mins whilst agitating with wire brush