Coo-Var Oil Remover - Water-Based Cleaner for Rapid Release of Oil & Hydrocarbon Contamination from Floors, Walls & Substrates

• Remove deep oil and hydrocarbon contamination (diesel, engine oil, hydraulic fluid) from concrete floors, walls, and substrates before painting

• Use a water-based, solvent-free, 0 g/L VOC cleaner that is safe for indoor use without fumes or specialist disposal

• Apply a fast-acting oil remover (20–60 minute dwell time) that lifts contamination standard degreasers cannot fully remove

• Prepare heavily oil-contaminated concrete, brick, breezeblock, and metal surfaces before degreasing, acid etching, and painting

• Use a biodegradable, eco-friendly formula that is safer for indoor use and easier to dispose of than solvent-based alternatives

• Apply without specialist equipment — brush, broom, or backpack sprayer, then rinse with water or pressure washer

• Use professional-grade oil removal from Coo-Var (115+ years British coating expertise)

• Apply in temperatures below 10°C (minimum application temperature 10°C)

• Apply without rinsing (must be rinsed thoroughly with clean water or pressure washer after dwell time)

• Store in freezing conditions (store frost-free — shelf life 12 months unopened)

Coo-Var Oil Remover is an efficient water-based biodegradable cleaner designed to provide rapid release of oil and hydrocarbon contamination from floors, walls, and other substrates before degreasing, acid etching, abrading, or painting. Unlike solvent-based cleaners that require specialist disposal and create fume hazards, this solvent-free, 0 g/L VOC formula safely lifts deep oil and hydrocarbon contamination from concrete, brick, breezeblock, and metal surfaces without fumes or disposal headaches.

Developed by Coo-Var with over 115 years of British coating expertise, Oil Remover is the essential first step for heavily oil-contaminated surfaces in any professional floor preparation system. Oil and hydrocarbon contamination — from diesel, engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and industrial lubricants — penetrates deep into concrete and masonry, preventing paint primers and floor coatings from bonding correctly. Standard degreasers cannot fully remove deep hydrocarbon contamination. Coo-Var Oil Remover's biodegradable formula penetrates and releases this deep contamination, lifting it to the surface for rinsing away.

The correct surface preparation sequence for heavily oil-contaminated floors is: 1) apply Oil Remover to release deep oil and hydrocarbon contamination, 2) rinse thoroughly, 3) degrease with Coo-Var Universal Degreaser for final surface cleaning, 4) acid etch concrete with Coo-Var Acid Etch to create a key, 5) abrade metal or wood, then 6) apply your chosen paint or primer. Using Oil Remover as the first step ensures that subsequent preparation stages work correctly and paint adhesion is maximised.

Apply liberally by brush, broom, or backpack sprayer. Agitate into contaminated areas and allow to dwell for 20–60 minutes depending on contamination level. Rinse thoroughly with clean water or pressure washer. Coverage of 1–2 m² per litre reflects the generous application required on heavily soiled surfaces — do not under-apply on heavily contaminated areas.

Suitable for interior and exterior concrete, brick, breezeblock, metal plant, workshop walls, and floors. Water-based, solvent-free, 0 g/L VOC, non-flammable, and biodegradable — safer for indoor use and easier waste handling than solvent-based alternatives. Minimum application temperature 10°C.

Manufactured in the UK to rigorous standards and trusted by facilities managers, floor coating contractors, workshop owners, and property managers for reliable removal of deep oil and hydrocarbon contamination before painting.

Key Benefits:

• Rapid Oil & Hydrocarbon Release – Efficiently releases deep oil and hydrocarbon contamination from concrete, brick, and metal. Lifts diesel, engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and industrial lubricants that standard degreasers cannot fully remove. Essential first step for heavily contaminated surfaces.

• Water-Based & Solvent-Free – 0 g/L VOC, non-flammable, and biodegradable. Safer for indoor use than solvent-based alternatives. No fumes or specialist disposal required. Low odour for comfortable working conditions.

• Fast-Acting Dwell Time – Acts in 20–60 minutes depending on contamination level. Apply, agitate, leave to dwell, then rinse. No heavy scrubbing or specialist equipment required. Reduces labour time and project costs.

• Prevents Paint Adhesion Failure – Deep oil and hydrocarbon contamination is the primary cause of floor paint adhesion failure on contaminated concrete. Oil Remover removes this contamination before painting, preventing peeling, blistering, and costly rework.

• Multi-Surface Compatibility – Suitable for concrete, brick, breezeblock, metal plant, workshop walls, and floors. Versatile solution for all heavily contaminated surfaces in your preparation system. Interior and exterior use.

• Eco-Friendly Formula – Biodegradable, solvent-free, and 0 g/L VOC. Environmentally responsible cleaning solution. Easier waste handling and disposal than solvent-based alternatives.

• No Specialist Equipment – Apply with brush, broom, or backpack sprayer. Rinse with clean water or pressure washer. No specialist equipment required. DIY-friendly and professional-grade.

• Coo-Var Heritage – Over 115 years of British coating expertise. Trusted by facilities managers, floor coating contractors, and workshop owners for reliable oil and hydrocarbon removal before painting.

Remove deep oil contamination and ensure maximum paint adhesion. Add to basket now and prevent costly paint failures.

Coo-Var Oil Remover is the essential first step for removing deep oil and hydrocarbon contamination from heavily soiled surfaces before painting:

• Concrete Floors with Oil Contamination – Ideal for removing deep diesel, engine oil, and hydraulic fluid contamination from concrete floors before acid etching and floor painting. Penetrates and releases contamination that standard degreasers cannot fully remove. Essential first step before applying Coo-Var Universal Degreaser, Acid Etch, and floor paint.

• Workshop & Garage Floors – Great for removing years of ingrained oil and hydrocarbon contamination from workshop and garage floors before floor painting. Water-based, solvent-free formula safe for indoor use. Apply with broom, dwell 20–60 minutes, rinse, then follow with Universal Degreaser and Acid Etch.

• Loading Bays & Industrial Floors – Perfect for removing heavy diesel and oil contamination from loading bays and industrial floors subjected to HGV and forklift traffic. Essential preparation before applying heavy duty floor coatings. Biodegradable formula for responsible waste handling.

• Brick & Breezeblock Walls – Suitable for removing oil and hydrocarbon contamination from brick and breezeblock walls before painting. Removes contamination that prevents paint from bonding to masonry. Apply by brush, dwell, then rinse before painting.

• Metal Plant & Machinery – A must-have for removing oil and hydrocarbon contamination from metal plant and machinery before painting or priming. Removes ingrained oil that prevents paint adhesion on metal surfaces. Follow with abrading and priming for optimal adhesion.

• Pre-Paint Floor Preparation – Ideal as the first step in any professional floor preparation system where heavy oil contamination is present. Water-based, 0 g/L VOC, non-flammable, and biodegradable. Trusted by floor coating contractors and facilities managers for reliable oil removal before painting.

If you need further advice on using Coo-Var Oil Remover for your project, contact our experts now via the live chat for personalised guidance!

Coverage: 1–2 m² per litre on heavily soiled surfaces

Per Tin Coverage:
• 5 litres: Covers approx. 5–10 m² on heavily soiled surfaces

Important: Coverage is intentionally low — Oil Remover must be applied liberally to penetrate and release deep oil and hydrocarbon contamination. Do not under-apply on heavily contaminated surfaces.

Example Calculations:

Small Floor (10 m² — heavily oil-contaminated):
• Coverage needed: 10 m²
• Product required: Approx. 5–10 litres
• Recommended: One to two 5L tubs (£44.95–£89.90)

Medium Floor (25 m² — heavily oil-contaminated):
• Coverage needed: 25 m²
• Product required: Approx. 13–25 litres
• Recommended: Three to five 5L tubs (£134.85–£224.75)

Large Floor (50 m² — heavily oil-contaminated):
• Coverage needed: 50 m²
• Product required: Approx. 25–50 litres
• Recommended: Five to ten 5L tubs (£224.75–£449.50)

Coverage varies depending on contamination level and surface porosity. More heavily contaminated surfaces require more product and longer dwell times. For accurate project planning, contact our experts via live chat.

Important: Allow 20–60 minutes dwell time before rinsing. Rinse thoroughly with clean water or pressure washer. Follow with Coo-Var Universal Degreaser for final surface preparation before acid etching or painting.

Recommended Next Steps After Oil Removal:
• Coo-Var Universal Degreaser – Final surface degreasing after oil removal
• Coo-Var Acid Etch – Chemically abrade concrete after degreasing
• Your chosen floor paint or primer – Apply after surface is clean, dry, and prepared

Surface Preparation Sequence for Heavily Oil-Contaminated Floors:

Step 1 — Remove Oil (this product):
• Sweep or vacuum loose debris from the surface
• Shake or stir Oil Remover before use
• Apply liberally by brush, broom, or backpack sprayer — do not under-apply
• Work product into contaminated areas, agitating to penetrate oil and hydrocarbon contamination
• Allow to dwell for 20–60 minutes depending on contamination level
• For heavily contaminated areas, allow the full 60 minutes dwell time
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water or pressure washer to remove dissolved contamination
• Wet-vac if required to remove excess liquid
• Repeat on heavily contaminated areas if required
• Allow surface to dry completely before proceeding

Step 2 — Degrease:
• Apply Coo-Var Universal Degreaser for final surface cleaning after oil removal
• Scrub, then wipe or rinse clean
• Allow solvent to evaporate fully before proceeding

Step 3 — Acid Etch (concrete floors):
• Apply Coo-Var Acid Etch to chemically abrade concrete and power-floated floors
• Creates a porous key for optimal paint adhesion
• Allow to dry completely before proceeding

Step 4 — Abrade (metal, wood, and other surfaces):
• Abrade with wire brush or sandpaper to create a key
• Ensure surface is clean, dry, and properly keyed before painting

Step 5 — Paint or Prime:
• Apply your chosen floor paint or primer
• Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times

Application Tips:

• Apply in temperatures above 10°C for optimal performance
• Apply liberally — do not under-apply on heavily contaminated surfaces
• Allow full 20–60 minute dwell time before rinsing
• Rinse thoroughly — do not leave product on surface
• Test on a small area first on delicate or unfamiliar surfaces
• For very heavily contaminated areas, apply multiple passes

Dwell Time:

• Minimum dwell time: 20 minutes
• Maximum dwell time: 60 minutes (heavily contaminated surfaces)
• Rinse thoroughly after dwell time with clean water or pressure washer

Storage:

• Store frost-free — minimum storage temperature above 0°C
• Shelf life: 12 months unopened
• Reseal container tightly after each use

• Finish / Texture: N/A (clear liquid)
• Base: Water-based biodegradable cleaner
• Available Colours: Golden liquid
• Pack Sizes: 5 L
• Coverage: 1 – 2 m²/L (heavily soiled surfaces)
• Drying Times @ 20 °C: Acts in 20 – 60 mins; surface usable after rinse
• Re-coat Interval: N/A (cleaner)
• Minimum Application Temp.: 10 °C
• VOC Content: 0 g/L (solvent-free)
• Flash Point: Non-flammable
• Application Method: Brush, broom or backpack sprayer; agitate, leave, then rinse/ wet-vac
• Surface Suitability: Concrete, brick, breezeblock, metal plant, workshop walls and floors
• Shelf Life: 12 months unopened (frost-free storage)

Need specifics on coverage or drying times? Chat with our experts now and remove that oil tomorrow!

What is Coo-Var Oil Remover and when should I use it?

Coo-Var Oil Remover is an efficient water-based biodegradable cleaner designed to provide rapid release of oil and hydrocarbon contamination from floors, walls, and other substrates. Use it as the essential first step when surfaces have heavy oil and hydrocarbon contamination (diesel, engine oil, hydraulic fluid) before degreasing, acid etching, and painting.

How is Oil Remover different from Universal Degreaser?

Oil Remover is designed for heavily oil-contaminated surfaces where deep hydrocarbon contamination has penetrated into concrete, brick, or masonry. It provides rapid release of deep oil contamination that standard degreasers cannot fully remove. Use Oil Remover first on heavily contaminated surfaces, then follow with Universal Degreaser for final surface cleaning before acid etching and painting. For lightly contaminated surfaces, Universal Degreaser alone is sufficient.

What is the correct surface preparation sequence?

The correct sequence for heavily oil-contaminated surfaces is: 1) Apply Oil Remover to release deep oil and hydrocarbon contamination. 2) Rinse thoroughly. 3) Degrease with Coo-Var Universal Degreaser for final surface cleaning. 4) Acid etch concrete with Coo-Var Acid Etch. 5) Abrade metal or wood. 6) Apply your chosen paint or primer.

What surfaces can I use Oil Remover on?

Oil Remover is suitable for concrete, brick, breezeblock, metal plant, workshop walls, and floors, interior and exterior. It is designed for any surface with heavy oil and hydrocarbon contamination before painting.

How do I apply Oil Remover?

Apply liberally by brush, broom, or backpack sprayer. Agitate into contaminated areas. Allow to dwell for 20–60 minutes depending on contamination level. Rinse thoroughly with clean water or pressure washer. Wet-vac if required. Allow surface to dry completely before proceeding to the next preparation stage.

How long should I leave Oil Remover on the surface?

Allow Oil Remover to dwell for 20–60 minutes depending on contamination level. For heavily contaminated surfaces, allow the full 60 minutes. Do not rinse before the minimum 20 minutes dwell time. Rinse thoroughly after the dwell time.

Is Oil Remover safe for indoor use?

Yes, Oil Remover is water-based, solvent-free, 0 g/L VOC, non-flammable, and biodegradable. It is safe for indoor use without fumes or specialist disposal requirements. Low odour for comfortable working conditions.

How much coverage can I expect from Oil Remover?

Oil Remover provides approximately 1–2 m² per litre on heavily soiled surfaces. A 5L tub covers approximately 5–10 m². Coverage is intentionally low — Oil Remover must be applied liberally to penetrate and release deep oil contamination. Do not under-apply on heavily contaminated surfaces.

Is Oil Remover eco-friendly?

Yes, Oil Remover is biodegradable, solvent-free, and 0 g/L VOC. It is an environmentally responsible cleaning solution that is easier to dispose of than solvent-based alternatives.

What temperature do I need to apply Oil Remover?

The minimum application temperature is 10°C. Do not apply in temperatures below 10°C. Store frost-free — shelf life 12 months unopened.

What products do I need after using Oil Remover?

After Oil Remover, use Coo-Var Universal Degreaser for final surface cleaning, then Coo-Var Acid Etch to chemically abrade concrete, then apply your chosen floor paint or primer. This complete preparation sequence ensures maximum paint adhesion and a long-lasting finish.

Safety data sheet
Technical data sheet

Complete Your Surface Preparation System:

• Coo-Var Universal Degreaser – Final surface degreasing after oil removal before acid etching or painting

• Coo-Var Acid Etch – Chemically abrade concrete floors after degreasing for optimal paint adhesion

• Coo-Var Floor Paints & Primers – Apply after oil removal, degreasing, and acid etching for a durable, professional finish

Need help choosing the right surface preparation system? Contact our experts via live chat!

Fast, Reliable & Fully Tracked UK Delivery

Every order is dispatched from our warehouse using a fully tracked DX or FedEx service, so you always know when your paint will arrive.

Delivery Options

• FREE Standard Delivery (orders over £75) Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Standard Delivery – £7.95 Arrives in 2–3 working days
• Express Delivery – £13.95 Next working day delivery when you order before 12:00 noon (Mon–Thu)
• Spending £75+? Select Express Upgrade at checkout and only pay the difference

Dispatch & Delivery Times (What Happens After You Order)

• Express delivery (order before 12:00 Mon–Thu) Dispatched same day, delivered next working day
• Standard delivery (Mon–Wed orders) Dispatched next working day, delivered 2–3 working days later
• Orders placed Thursday (standard delivery) Dispatched Friday for Monday delivery
• We do not dispatch or deliver on weekends or UK bank holidays

What to Expect on Delivery

Please provide a contact telephone number at checkout. This allows the courier to share tracking updates or contact you if there are any delivery issues.

Most orders require a signature on delivery. If you may not be available during the day, we recommend delivery to a workplace, business address, or another location where someone can sign.

Outside the UK Mainland?

Delivery prices shown apply to UK Mainland only.

For the Highlands, Islands, Northern Ireland, or non-mainland addresses, please contact us for a quick personalised quote via live chat, by calling 01482 222 421, or emailing info@specialistpaintsonline.co.uk.

Bottom Line

Order today, get fast and reliable delivery, track every step, and get painting without delays.