Removing Oil Stains

[1320tsi]

Hi all. Im thinking about doing an epoxy finish on my garage floor, but i have a couple issues. I have some oil stains which have been there for a few years now and understand they need to be removed before applying the coating?

Ive tryed several degreasers and solvents, althought they did lighten some and remove more recent stains, their still visible. Whats the best way to remove mature oil stains on concrete floor? Im thought of using maritic acid or renting a small diamond grinder to remove them, although i question how well this would work.

thanks in advance

 

[XR80David]

Hi all. Im thinking about doing an epoxy finish on my garage floor, but i have a couple issues. I have some oil stains which have been there for a few years now and understand they need to be removed before applying the coating?

Ive tryed several degreasers and solvents, althought they did lighten some and remove more recent stains, their still visible. Whats the best way to remove mature oil stains on concrete floor? Im thought of using maritic acid or renting a small diamond grinder to remove them, although i question how well this would work.

thanks in advance

Muratic Acid should surely do the trick.

 

[WolverineCoatings]

Which degreasers have you tried? Any industrial ones yet? I would first try industrial degreasers... then... you can soak that oil stain with solvent and towels and get it up that way.

Last, you need to make sure that the manufacturer of the epoxy you are going to use says that they can tolerate some oil.

 

[tdickman]

Muratic Acid should surely do the trick.

I wouldn't recommend acid. Oil is a hydrocarbon and acid will not have much effect on it, but it will etch the concrete. You can't scrub oil and grease stains away. The trick is to draw them up out of the concrete. You need to stick with a a strong industrial degreaser or something that is a base solution, like trisodium phosphate (TSP). We have found ZEP Purple to work well, just pour it on full strength and let it sit, it may take several applications depend one the severity of the oils stain. You can get ZEP purple at your local Home Depot. After degreasing I would recommend a a good abrasive grind of the area.

 

[coatem]

Pour some laquer thinner on it and wipe it.