Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Strip sealant on brick floor

I moved into my house last year. I have several salt water aquariums that were set up when I moved in. They were set up on a brick floor. Now, one year later I can see that the sealant must have been shot and where I have oops'd I have a white stain. It appears to be under the existing sealant and I can't get it cleaned. What I would like to do is strip off the existing sealant, clean it good, and completely reseal the floor.

What can I use to strip the sealant?

Wet masonry and salts don't mix. Regardless of a sealer in please, you could be looking at EFFLORESCENCE. This usually means you have excessive water with salts present. The water acts as the vehicle to transport the salts into the floor. As the floor drys, and the temperatures rise, the water is trying to evaporate out the tops again... bringing with it other types of impurity found in the wall... like salt.

If it is under the sealer, then the previous owner didn't allow for his pavers to dry completely after his last WHOOPS! He sealed the moisture and salts in the unit(s)... thereby trapping the impurities under the clear coating... causing the surface of the pavers to look milky or chalky .. but coated. Patience is KING when dealing with cleaning masonry... and wanting to protect it. Clean it... let it dry thoroughly...wait another day... then seal it up.
You don't want to trap any moisure inside the sealer AT ALL!!!!

Most of the times, EFFLORESCENCE will go away once you find the source for contamination.

Good luck!!

www.southsidebuilders.com

PS
The Sure Klean company makes several different types of strippers to remove whatever sealer you may have.

Tried muratic acid, that didn't phase the sealant.

Tell the forum, what did the instructions on the bottle of muriatic acid advise on the use, and mixing ratios for cleaning brick?

tick tock tick tock tick tock <crickets chirping> [paint drying} tick tock bzzzzzzzzzz!!

I bet there were none.

By the way, did it say anything about using muriactic acid on architectural admix brick without harming color? Will muriatic acid affect the color of the finished mortar joint? What does that products label say on these issues? Here's another test. Buy one gallon from K-mart, then buy another from Joe's Hardware. Run a lab test on both samples. I guarantee that each product will test out at a different strength or concentrate. Muriatic acid is an old timers product that is on the wagon heading toward the sunset.

Please look to your local masonry suppliers or distributor for cleaning solutions that come with instructions and recommendations for the various products and situations you come up against.

Good luck.

www.southsidebuilders.com

Judging from your first response, I can tell you didn't bother to read my question.

Judging from your second, you're a prick. I will go elsewhere for advice.

No response necessary.