Ultimate guide to Strip-It by All for Stone

Strip-It Sealer & Coating Remover by All for Stone is a professional-grade, solvent-based stripping product designed to break down stubborn finishes on natural stone and tile surfaces. It is ideal for contractors, stone restoration professionals, and homeowners who need a reliable way to remove old sealers, waxes, and coatings.

1) Product overview: what Strip-It is and why it’s used

Strip-It is formulated to remove a wide range of coatings and build-up from hard surfaces, including:

• Wax coatings
• Acrylic and synthetic surface coatings
• Old sealers and sealer residue
• Stubborn build-up on natural stone, porcelain, ceramic tiles, and other hard surfaces

If you’re dealing with unknown coatings, multiple layers of sealer, or years of wax and polish build-up, Strip-It is designed for heavy-duty stripping where standard cleaners fall short.

2) Features and suitability

What Strip-It can do

• Designed for heavy-duty stripping, including old or multiple layers of sealers, coatings, and wax build-up.
• Solvent-based strength (non-methylene chloride), making it more effective than many water-based strippers.
• Suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including:

• Natural stone (granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate)
• Porcelain and ceramic tiles
• Other sealed hard surfaces

Where to use with caution

• Painted or plastic surfaces that may be damaged by strong solvents.
• Soft or highly porous stone where aggressive stripping can disrupt the surface.
• Poorly ventilated areas - ventilation is essential due to solvent fumes.

3) Safety guidelines and preparation

Essential safety measures

• Wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves.
• Ensure excellent ventilation - open windows and doors or use fans.
• Protect adjacent materials (wood, plastics, metal) from splashes.
• Be cautious as surfaces may become slippery during application.
• Always read the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.

Surface preparation

• Sweep or vacuum dust, grit, and debris.
• Mask and cover nearby areas to protect against accidental contact.
• Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and stable.
• Always perform a test patch to confirm compatibility, dwell time, and effectiveness.

4) How to use Strip-It (step-by-step)

1. Perform a test patch

Choose a small (up to 1 m²) inconspicuous area and test the product first. This helps you confirm dwell time and expected results.

2. Apply neat (undiluted)

Strip-It is typically most effective when applied directly (undiluted), unless the manufacturer advises otherwise.

3. Apply a thick, even layer

Use a brush, roller, or mop to apply generously so the product fully contacts the coating or sealer.

4. Allow sufficient dwell time

Let Strip-It penetrate for 30-60 minutes (or longer depending on your test patch results). Do not allow the product to dry out.

5. Keep the surface wet

If the stripper starts to dry, reapply a light coat. Maintaining moisture improves stripping performance.

6. Agitate for best results

Agitate the surface to loosen the coating using one of the following:

• Stiff nylon brush
• Deck brush
• Rotary floor machine with a suitable pad

7. Remove slurry

Remove dissolved coating and residue using a wet/dry vacuum or mop.

8. Rinse thoroughly

Rinse with clean water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner until all residues are removed. This is vital before resealing.

9. Repeat if necessary

Heavily sealed surfaces or multiple layers may need a second application.

10. Allow to dry completely before resealing

Allow the surface to dry for 24-48 hours (or longer for porous stone) before applying a new sealer.

5) After stripping: what to do next

After stripping, the surface will be bare and unprotected. Depending on the surface and desired finish, consider resealing with:

• Penetrating sealer (common for natural stone)
• Enhancing sealer (to boost colour depth)
• Topical sealer (only where suitable)

To maintain the surface, use a pH-neutral cleaner and avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach or vinegar. Plan a resealing schedule every 1-3 years depending on stone type and foot traffic.

6) Troubleshooting and professional tips

Common problems and solutions

• Coating won’t lift: increase dwell time, agitate more thoroughly, or repeat the process.
• Hazy or smeared finish: more rinsing is required.
• Sticky patches: product dried too soon - reapply and keep moist during dwell time.
• Darkened stone: allow longer drying time before resealing.
• Slippery workspace: use signage and maintain a controlled working area.

Best practice tips

• Choose the correct brush or pad for your stone type.
• Do not rush dwell time - patience delivers better stripping results.
• Record dwell times and results for future maintenance.
• Dispose of slurry responsibly in line with local regulations.

7) Product limitations and special considerations

• Requires proper ventilation due to solvent base.
• Ideal for old, stubborn, or unknown coatings.
• Sensitive, historic, or extremely porous stones require extra care and shorter dwell times.
• Multiple applications may be needed for thick or degraded coatings.

8) Quick checklist for using Strip-It

• PPE on: gloves, eyewear, long sleeves
• Ventilation in place
• Nearby surfaces protected
• Surface clean, dry, and prepared
• Test patch completed
• Apply Strip-It generously and keep wet during dwell time
• Agitate thoroughly
• Remove slurry with wet/dry vacuum or mop
• Rinse until residue-free
• Allow full drying before resealing

Buy Strip-It and browse related products

Shop Strip-It Sealer & Coating Remover for removing sealers, waxes, and coatings from stone, concrete, tiles, and more.

For more options, browse: Cleaning products and patio cleaning and sealing products.