How to Remove Tar from Cement | 2 Simple Methods

Having stains on anything isn’t acceptable as it provides an awful viewing experience and when it appears on the cement floor, it becomes more annoying. And when the stain comes from tar, it gets harder to remove them from the surface.

Though removing tar fully will be quite impossible if it penetrates through the cement floor. In that case, you will need to remove the stain from the surface. But for now, let’s assume you have tar on your concrete surface. They can be removed pretty easily with the help of muriatic acid, by using solvents, and so on.

In this article, we have shared the removal procedure and methods that you can follow to get rid of tar from the concrete surface or driveway. So, without any further ado, let’s begin then!

Methods for Removing Tar from Cement

There are two types of tar that can be found. They are classified in terms of penetration. The first one is hot-applied coal tar and the second one is cutback coal tar. If you have cutback coal tar on the cement then removing them will be hard because they penetrate through the cement. 

Now, let’s find out how to remove tar from cement.

Method 1: Use Aerosol Freezing Agent or Ice

With the help of an aerosol freezing agent or ice, you can remove tar from cement easily. Before applying this method, you will need to wear safety gear first. Now follow the steps below.

• Spray the Aerosol freezing agent on the tar and wait for a couple of minutes.
• When the material will seem brittle, chip them off with a putty knife.
• Now, prepare a mixture of scouring powder and water and then pour it on the tar area.
• Take a bristle brush and scrub the surface properly.
• Lastly, rinse off the surface with the hose.

Tar will be removed and the stains as well.

If cutback coal tar is found on the cement surface, then you will need to solvent like Prosoco’s SureKlean Asphalt and Tar Remover or similar types of liquid for removing the tar. The process is the same as the hot-applied coal tar. You will need to replace the mentioned solvent with the scouring powder.

NOTE: While removing cutback coal tar, a brown color stain can remain on the surface.

Method 2: Use Muriatic Acid for Removing Tar

Muriatic acid is one of the best cleaning agents. With this, you can also remove tar from the surface. Here are the steps that you will need to follow.

• Wear the safety gear and prepare the acid-water mixture. There you will have the manufacturer’s instructions on the acid bottle or guidebook.
• Now, pour the muriatic-water mixture on the tar and wait till it starts to dissolve tar.
• After pouring the mixture, take a stiff bristle brush and scrub the area to remove the tar.
• Take off the tar and use a towel to clean the place. Lastly, rinse off the surface with clean water.

NOTE: For bringing back the fresh look of the floor, you can add a sealant to the tar-affected surface.

Here are the two most effective methods that can be applied for removing tar from cement surfaces. You can also use vinegar, and different types of solvents such as kerosene, diesel, xylene, turps, natural minerals, etc. for removing tar off the cement surface.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Does Dawn dish soap remove tar?

Yes, Dawn dish soap can remove tar. It is known as an excellent tar remover. Basically, it’s a mild pH-neutral formula that dissolves tar and helps to remove it from the surface.

How do I remove the asphalt seal coat from concrete?

Removing the asphalt seal coat from the concrete is pretty easy. With the help of epoxy or floor stripper, you can remove the asphalt seal coat easily.

Will Goo Gone remove tar?

Yes, it’s one of the well-known tar removal solvents. Basically, it uses oil. Oil can penetrate into tar and can lubricate the affected area. Then with a cloth, you can remove tar with ease. 

Does rubbing alcohol remove tar?

You can use rubbing alcohol for removing tar stains. But it can be assured that it can remove tar. Just take cotton, soak it in the alcohol, and then rub it on the tar stain. 

Does peanut butter remove tar?

Peanut butter is only capable of removing tar splatters. Apply the peanut butter on the tar splatters, wait for a couple of minutes, and then remove them using a cloth.

Conclusion

To conclude, solvents like Goo Gone or WD 40, or muriatic acid can remove the tar from cement very easily. Just you will need to apply it, wait for a couple of minutes, and take them off. But if you have cutback coal tar on the surface then you will need to follow method 1 carefully.