Prosoco Asphalt Tar Remover - 25 Gallons

Prosoco Sure Klean Asphalt & Tar Remover Heavy-Duty Solvent Cleaner for Masonry and Concrete ) 5 Pack of 5 Gallon Pails

Prosoco Sure Klean Asphalt & Tar Remover is a high-efficiency, heavy-duty solvent cleaner formulated for masonry and concrete surfaces. Designed for contractors and trades professionals, it removes roofing asphalt, tar, grease, hydraulic oil, motor oil, caulking stains, and old sealers and protective treatments including acrylic, stearate, curing compounds, and chlorinated rubber sealers. Available in 1-gallon and 5-gallon sizes, this colorless, clear liquid is easy to apply by brush or low-pressure spray equipment and is fully water-rinsable for efficient cleanup. It is ideal for construction site cleaning and surface preparation where thorough stain removal is required prior to coating or finishing work.

Unlike solvent cleaners that rely on methylene chloride or methanol, Prosoco Asphalt & Tar Remover is formulated without these hazardous ingredients while remaining fully compliant with all national, state, and district VOC regulations. It also provides versatility beyond heavy industrial stains, excelling at spot cleaning of chewing gum, crayon, and lipstick — making it a single-product solution for a broad range of jobsite contamination challenges.

Key Features & Benefits

Methylene Chloride & Methanol Free

This formula contains no methylene chloride or methanol, reducing worker exposure to the most hazardous components found in traditional solvent cleaners. Contractors can meet increasingly stringent jobsite safety requirements without sacrificing cleaning performance.

Broad-Spectrum Stain Removal

Removes roofing asphalt, tar, grease, hydraulic oil, motor oil, caulking stains, old curing compounds, and acrylic, stearate, and chlorinated rubber sealers common on construction projects. A single product handles multiple stain types, reducing the need to stock multiple specialty cleaners.

Spot Cleaning Capability

Excellent for targeted spot cleaning of chewing gum, crayon, and lipstick stains on masonry and concrete. This makes it a practical choice for cleaning building façades and public-facing surfaces before final finishing or inspection.

Easy Application & Water-Rinsable

Can be applied with a brush or low-pressure spray equipment (50 psi max) equipped with solvent-resistant hoses and gaskets. The product is fully water-rinsable, streamlining the cleaning process and reducing labor time on the job.

VOC Compliant

Compliant with all national, state, and district VOC regulations, allowing use on projects with strict environmental compliance requirements. The VOC content classification is listed as non-applicable for this formulation.

Extended Shelf Life

Rated for a 2-year shelf life in a tightly sealed, unopened container stored at 45–100°F (7–38°C). Contractors can purchase in quantity and store on-site without concern for rapid product degradation.

Common Applications

Roofing Asphalt & Tar Removal

Removes deposits of roofing asphalt and tar that accumulate on masonry and concrete during or after roofing work, restoring surface appearance and preparing substrates for subsequent treatments.

Construction Stain Cleanup

Cleans grease, hydraulic oil, motor oil, and caulking stains that are standard occurrences on active construction sites, keeping surfaces clean and ready for inspection or finishing.

Sealer & Coating Removal

Strips old curing compounds and acrylic, stearate, and chlorinated rubber sealers from masonry and concrete surfaces, enabling proper surface preparation before applying new coatings or treatments.

Façade & Hardscape Spot Cleaning

Ideal for spot treating chewing gum, crayon, and lipstick stains on exterior masonry and concrete surfaces such as building entrances, plazas, and sidewalks.

Pre-Treatment Surface Preparation

Used as a pre-treatment step on masonry and concrete to remove contamination that would otherwise prevent proper adhesion of sealers, coatings, or waterproofing systems.

Exterior Masonry Cleaning

Best suited for exterior applications where rinse water can be used freely and adequate ventilation is ensured, making it a go-to choice for large-scale façade and hardscape cleaning projects.

Compatible Materials

• Concrete
• Masonry (brick, block, stone)
• Exterior hardscape surfaces
• Porous masonry substrates suitable for 400–1000 psi rinse

Note: Asphalt & Tar Remover may damage synthetic finishes including window gaskets, caulking, sealants, acrylic or polycarbonate sheeting, reflective films, and plastics. It may also damage wood, roofing materials, paint, and all solvent-sensitive surfaces. Some glass and metal finishes installed in recent years may also be damaged. Always test in an inconspicuous area before overall application. For interior applications, Prosoco recommends Enviro Klean Safety Peel 1 or SafStrip 8 as alternatives. Sure Klean Strippable Masking is not appropriate for use with this product.

Product Documents

• Product Data Sheet
• Safety Data Sheet
• Safety Data Sheet (Spanish)
• SDS Canadian French

Application Instructions

Step 1: Surface & Site Preparation

1. Protect people, vehicles, property, and all solvent-sensitive surfaces from contact with the cleaner, rinse water, wind drift, and fumes. Divert or protect auto and foot traffic.
2. Fill all cracks and voids to prevent penetration of fumes into the building.
3. Cover windows, exterior intakes, and air conditioning vents. Shut down air handling equipment when applying to exteriors of occupied buildings.
4. Ensure fresh air entry and cross ventilation throughout the application area.
5. Extinguish all flames, pilot lights, and other potential ignition sources during use and until all vapors have dissipated.
6. Protect or remove all synthetic finishes, glass, metal finishes, wood, roofing materials, paint, and solvent-sensitive surfaces before overall application.
7. Do not use Sure Klean Strippable Masking with this product.

Step 2: Temperature & Conditions Check

1. Best results are achieved when air and masonry surface temperatures are 40°F (4°C) or above.
2. Do not clean when temperatures are below freezing or will drop below freezing overnight, as this may harm masonry.
3. If masonry has been exposed to freezing temperatures, allow it to fully thaw before cleaning.

Step 3: Equipment Setup

1. Apply using a brush or low-pressure spray equipment (50 psi maximum) equipped with solvent-resistant hoses and gaskets.
2. Do not apply with pressure spray above 50 psi — higher pressure drives the cleaner deep into the surface, making thorough rinsing difficult.

Step 4: Application

1. Apply Asphalt & Tar Remover directly to the stained masonry or concrete surface.
2. Allow sufficient dwell time for the solvent to penetrate and dissolve the stain. Refer to the Product Data Sheet for substrate-specific guidance on coverage rates and dwell times.
3. Coverage rate is 100 sq ft per gallon. See the Product Data Sheet for specific variations per substrate.

Step 5: Rinsing

1. Rinse thoroughly with sufficient water and pressure to flush spent cleaner and dissolved soiling from the surface and surface pores without damaging the substrate. Inadequate rinsing leaves residues that may stain the cleaned surface.
2. Recommended rinsing setup for porous masonry: 400–1000 psi with a water flow rate of 6–8 gallons per minute, using a 15–45° fan spray tip.
3. Heated water (150–180°F; 65–82°C) may improve cleaning efficiency.
4. Use adjustable equipment to reduce water flow rates and rinsing pressure as needed for sensitive surfaces.
5. Do not exceed 1000 psi rinsing pressure. Do not use fan spray tips smaller than 15°, as this may permanently damage sensitive masonry.
6. Water flow rates below 6 gallons per minute may reduce cleaning productivity and contribute to uneven cleaning results.
7. Do not discharge rinse water into sewers or waterways.

Step 6: Storage & Handling After Use

1. Store in a cool, dry place away from potential ignition sources. Maintain storage temperature of 45–100°F (7–38°C).
2. Keep container tightly closed when not dispensing. Do not alter or mix with other chemicals.
3. Store factory-sealed containers upright. Do not double-stack pallets.
4. Dispose of unused product and containers in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Technical Specifications

Safety Data Summary

Hazard Information

• Flammable liquid and vapor (Category 3) — flash point 79°F (26°C)
• Acute toxicity (dermal) — Category 4: Harmful in contact with skin
• Skin corrosion/irritation — Category 2: Causes skin irritation
• Serious eye damage/eye irritation — Category 2: Causes serious eye irritation
• Carcinogenicity — Category 2: Suspected of causing cancer
• Aspiration hazard — Category 1: May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways
• May be harmful if swallowed
• Emergency contact (business hours): 785-865-4200 (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CST, Monday–Friday)
• Emergency contact (non-business hours): INFOTRAC at 800-535-5053

Personal Protective Equipment

• Wear appropriate eye/face protection
• Use personal protective equipment as required for skin and hand protection
• Ensure adequate ventilation; use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating, and lighting equipment
• Use only non-sparking tools
• Ground/bond containers and receiving equipment to prevent static discharge
• Wash face, hands, and any exposed skin thoroughly after handling

Safe Handling

• Obtain special instructions before use; do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood
• Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces — no smoking
• Keep container tightly closed when not in use
• Store in a well-ventilated place; keep cool and store locked up
• Take precautionary measures against static discharge
• Do not alter or mix with other chemicals
• Do not discharge rinse water into sewers or waterways
• If in eyes: rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; continue rinsing; seek medical attention if irritation persists
• If on skin or hair: remove/take off contaminated clothing immediately; rinse skin with water or shower; wash contaminated clothing before reuse
• If inhaled: remove to fresh air; if breathing is irregular or stopped, administer artificial respiration; call a physician
• If swallowed: do NOT induce vomiting; rinse mouth; drink plenty of water; call a POISON CENTER or physician immediately
• In case of fire: use CO2, dry chemical, or foam for extinction
• Dispose of contents and container at an approved waste disposal facility in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Prosoco Asphalt & Tar Remover safe to use on interior masonry surfaces?
A: Prosoco recommends this product primarily for exterior applications where rinse water can be used freely and adequate ventilation is ensured. For interior applications, Prosoco recommends Enviro Klean Safety Peel 1 or SafStrip 8 as safer alternatives due to flammability and ventilation concerns.

Q: What surfaces can be damaged by Asphalt & Tar Remover?
A: This product may damage synthetic finishes such as window gaskets, caulking, sealants, acrylic or polycarbonate sheeting, reflective films, and plastic. It may also damage wood, roofing materials, paint, some glass, certain metal finishes, and all solvent-sensitive surfaces. Always test in an inconspicuous area and protect sensitive materials before overall application.

Q: What is the recommended application pressure for this product?
A: Apply using a brush or low-pressure spray equipment at a maximum of 50 psi with solvent-resistant hoses and gaskets. Applying above 50 psi drives the cleaner deep into the surface, making thorough rinsing difficult and potentially leaving residues.

Q: How should I rinse masonry after applying Asphalt & Tar Remover?
A: For porous masonry, use masonry-washing equipment generating 400–1000 psi with a water flow rate of 6–8 gallons per minute and a 15–45° fan spray tip. Heated water at 150–180°F (65–82°C) may improve results. Never exceed 1000 psi or use fan spray tips smaller than 15°, as this can permanently damage sensitive masonry.

Q: Can this product be used in cold weather?
A: Best results are achieved when air and masonry surface temperatures are 40°F (4°C) or above. Do not clean when temperatures are below freezing or are expected to drop below freezing overnight, as this may harm masonry. The freeze point of the product itself is below –22°F (–30°C), so it will not freeze during normal storage.

Q: Does Asphalt & Tar Remover meet VOC regulations?
A: Yes. Sure Klean Asphalt & Tar Remover is compliant with all national, state, and district VOC regulations, making it suitable for use on projects with strict environmental compliance requirements.