Coo-Var Universal Degreaser - Surface Cleaner to Remove Oil & Grease Before Painting on Concrete, Metal, Wood, Tiles & Swimming Pools

• Remove oil, grease, and contamination from concrete, metal, wood, tiles, and swimming pools before painting

• Prepare floors, metal surfaces, swimming pools, and walls before acid etching, abrading, then applying paint or primer

• Use a powerful solvent-based degreaser that cuts through ingrained oil that water-based cleaners leave behind

• Prevent paint adhesion failure caused by oil and grease contamination on floors and surfaces

• Apply to interior and exterior concrete floors, metal, wood, masonry, tiles, walls, and swimming pools

• Use a rapid flash-off degreaser that leaves surfaces dry and ready for the next preparation stage quickly

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

• Use on surfaces with very heavy ingrained oil contamination over large areas (use Coo-Var Oil Remover for heavily oil-saturated floors first)

• Apply near open flames or ignition sources (flash point 41°C — keep away from ignition sources)

• Apply in temperatures below 5°C (minimum application temperature 5°C)

• Leave on surface without wiping or rinsing (apply, scrub, then wipe or rinse clean)

Coo-Var Universal Degreaser is a solvent-based surface cleaner designed to remove oil, grease, and contamination from concrete, metal, wood, tiles, and swimming pools before acid etching, abrading, or painting. Unlike water-based cleaners that leave oil residues behind, this powerful solvent blend cuts through ingrained oil and grease to leave surfaces clean, dry, and ready for the next stage of preparation.Developed by Coo-Var with over 115 years of British coating expertise, Universal Degreaser is the essential first step in any professional floor or surface preparation system. Oil and grease contamination is the primary cause of paint adhesion failure — even small amounts of contamination prevent paint from bonding correctly, leading to peeling, flaking, and costly rework. Coo-Var Universal Degreaser eliminates this risk by removing contamination before preparation begins.

The correct surface preparation sequence is: 1) degrease with Universal Degreaser to remove oil and grease, 2) acid etch concrete with Coo-Var Acid Etch to chemically abrade the surface and create a key, 3) abrade metal or wood with wire brush or sandpaper to create a key, then 4) apply your chosen paint or primer. Skipping the degreasing step — even on surfaces that appear clean — risks paint adhesion failure, particularly on concrete floors, metal surfaces, and garage floors where oil contamination is common.

The solvent blend formulation provides rapid flash-off, leaving surfaces dry and ready for the next preparation stage once the solvent has evaporated. Coverage of approximately 8–12 m² per litre varies depending on contamination level — heavily contaminated surfaces require more product and additional passes. Apply by brush, mop, cloth, or spray; scrub contaminated areas, then wipe or rinse clean.

Suitable for interior and exterior concrete floors, metal, wood, masonry, tiles, walls, and swimming pools. Use before acid etching, abrading, or painting for optimal paint adhesion. Flash point 41°C — use in well-ventilated area away from ignition sources.

Manufactured in the UK to rigorous standards and trusted by facilities managers, professional decorators, floor coating contractors, and DIY enthusiasts for reliable surface preparation before painting.

Key Benefits:

• Essential Pre-Paint Preparation – Removes oil, grease, and contamination that cause paint adhesion failure. The essential first step before acid etching, abrading, or painting. Prevents peeling, flaking, and costly rework. Ensures maximum paint adhesion and long-lasting finish.

• Powerful Solvent Blend – Solvent blend formulation cuts through ingrained oil and grease that water-based cleaners leave behind. Rapid flash-off leaves surfaces dry and ready for the next preparation stage. No residue that could compromise paint adhesion.

• Multi-Surface Versatility – Suitable for concrete floors, metal, wood, masonry, tiles, walls, and swimming pools. One degreaser for all surfaces in your preparation system. Interior and exterior use. Versatile solution for commercial, industrial, residential, and leisure projects.

• Rapid Flash-Off – Solvent evaporates quickly once applied, leaving surfaces dry and ready for the next step. No long waiting times between degreasing and acid etching, abrading, or painting. Reduces project time and labour costs.

• Prevents Costly Rework – Oil and grease contamination is the primary cause of paint adhesion failure. Degreasing before acid etching, abrading, and painting prevents peeling, flaking, and costly rework. Protects your paint investment and ensures a professional finish.

• Interior & Exterior Use – Suitable for interior and exterior surfaces. Versatile preparation solution for all environments. Use in well-ventilated areas due to solvent content.

• Cost-Effective Coverage – Approximately 8–12 m² per litre depending on contamination level. 2.5L tin covers approximately 20–30 m² on lightly contaminated surfaces. Cost-effective preparation for large floor areas.

• Coo-Var Heritage – Over 115 years of British coating expertise. Trusted by facilities managers, professional decorators, and floor coating contractors for reliable surface preparation.

Prepare surfaces correctly and ensure maximum paint adhesion. Add to basket now and prevent costly paint failures.

Coo-Var Universal Degreaser is the essential first step in surface preparation for a variety of commercial, industrial, residential, and leisure painting projects:

• Concrete Floors Before Acid Etching – Ideal for degreasing concrete floors before acid etching. Removes oil and grease contamination that prevents acid etch from working correctly. Essential first step before applying Coo-Var Acid Etch, then floor paint. Ensures maximum paint adhesion on concrete floors.

• Metal Surfaces Before Painting – Great for degreasing metal surfaces before abrading and painting or priming. Removes oil, grease, and contamination that cause paint adhesion failure on metal. Essential preparation for gates, railings, machinery, structural metalwork, and metal swimming pool surrounds.

• Swimming Pools Before Painting – Perfect for degreasing swimming pool surfaces before painting. Removes oils, sunscreen residue, algae treatment chemicals, and contamination that prevent pool paint from bonding correctly. Essential preparation before applying swimming pool paint for a long-lasting, waterproof finish.

• Wood Floors Before Painting – Suitable for degreasing wood floors and surfaces before abrading and painting or priming. Removes contamination that prevents paint from bonding to wood. Essential preparation for workshop floors, decking, and timber surfaces.

• Garage & Workshop Floors – A must-have for degreasing garage and workshop floors with oil and grease contamination before acid etching and floor painting. Removes ingrained oil and traffic film. Essential preparation before applying garage floor paint or epoxy floor coating.

• Industrial & Commercial Surfaces – Ideal for degreasing industrial and commercial floors, walls, and metal surfaces before painting. Removes oil, grease, and traffic film contamination. Essential first step in any professional surface preparation system.

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

Coverage: Approx. 8–12 m² per litre (variable by contamination level)

Per Tin Coverage:
• 2.5 litres: Covers approx. 20–30 m² on lightly contaminated surfaces
• 2.5 litres: Covers approx. 10–15 m² on heavily contaminated surfaces

Coverage varies significantly depending on contamination level. Heavily contaminated surfaces (ingrained oil, grease, traffic film) require more product and additional passes. For accurate project planning, we recommend ordering extra for heavily contaminated surfaces.

Example Calculations:

Small Floor (15 m² — lightly contaminated):
• Coverage needed: 15 m²
• Product required: Approx. 1.5 litres
• Recommended: One 2.5L tin (£24.72) — covers with product to spare

Medium Floor (25 m² — lightly contaminated):
• Coverage needed: 25 m²
• Product required: Approx. 2.5 litres
• Recommended: One 2.5L tin (£24.72)

Medium Floor (25 m² — heavily contaminated):
• Coverage needed: 25 m² (multiple passes)
• Product required: Approx. 4–5 litres
• Recommended: Two 2.5L tins (£49.44)

Large Floor (50 m² — lightly contaminated):
• Coverage needed: 50 m²
• Product required: Approx. 5 litres
• Recommended: Two 2.5L tins (£49.44)

Important: Always degrease before acid etching, abrading, or painting. Allow solvent to evaporate fully before proceeding to the next step. Use in well-ventilated area — flash point 41°C.

Recommended Next Steps After Degreasing:
• Coo-Var Acid Etch – Chemically abrade concrete floors after degreasing
• Abrade metal or wood to create a key after degreasing
• Apply your chosen floor paint or primer once surface is clean, dry, and prepared

Important Safety Note:

Flash point 41°C — use in well-ventilated area away from open flames, sparks, and ignition sources. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves and eye protection. Store securely away from heat sources. Reseal container after each use.

Surface Preparation Sequence:

Step 1 — Degrease (this product):

Suitable for concrete floors, metal, wood, masonry, tiles, walls, and swimming pools. Work in manageable sections on large surfaces.

• Remove loose debris, dust, and standing liquids from the surface
• Ensure no flammable materials are nearby before application
• Apply Universal Degreaser by brush, mop, cloth, or spray
• Work product into contaminated areas, scrubbing to lift oil and grease
• Wipe or rinse surface clean to remove dissolved contamination
• Allow solvent to evaporate fully — surface must be dry to touch before proceeding
• Repeat on heavily contaminated areas if required

Step 2 — Acid Etch (concrete floors):
• Apply Coo-Var Acid Etch to chemically abrade concrete and power-floated floors
• Acid etching opens the surface and creates a porous key for paint adhesion
• Allow to dry completely before proceeding

Step 3 — Abrade (metal, wood, and other surfaces):
• For metal surfaces: abrade with wire brush or sandpaper to create a key
• For wood: sand lightly to create a key and remove any existing loose finish
• Ensure surface is clean, dry, and properly keyed before painting

Step 4 — Paint or Prime:
• Apply your chosen floor paint or primer once the surface is clean, dry, and prepared
• Follow the paint manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times

Application Tips:

• Apply in temperatures above 5°C for optimal performance
• Ensure good ventilation during application and drying
• Apply by brush, mop, cloth, or spray depending on surface size and contamination
• Scrub contaminated areas thoroughly to lift ingrained oil and grease
• Wipe or rinse clean after scrubbing — do not leave product on surface
• Allow solvent to evaporate fully before acid etching, abrading, or painting
• For heavily contaminated surfaces, apply multiple passes until surface is clean
• Test on an inconspicuous area first if unsure about surface compatibility

Drying / Flash-Off:

• Rapid flash-off — surface ready for next step once dry to touch
• Allow full evaporation before acid etching, abrading, or painting
• Flash-off time varies depending on temperature and ventilation

Storage:

• Store securely away from heat sources and ignition points
• Reseal container tightly after each use
• Keep away from open flames and sparks
• Store in a cool, well-ventilated area

• Finish / Texture: Clear thin liquid
• Base: Solvent blend degreaser
• Available Colours: Clear
• Pack Sizes: 2.5 L
• Coverage: Variable – depends on contamination level (approx. 8–12 m²/L)
• Drying Times @ 20 °C: Rapid flash-off; ready to paint once surface is dry to touch
• Re-coat Interval: N/A (cleaner, not coating)
• Minimum Application Temp.: 5 °C
• VOC Content: High (solvent-based)
• Flash Point: 41 °C (closed cup)
• Application Method: Brush, mop, cloth or spray; scrub, then wipe or rinse clean
• Surface Suitability: Concrete floors, metal, wood, masonry, tiles, walls—interior & exterior
• Specific Gravity: 0.86

Need detailed specs or prep guidance? Chat with our experts now!

What is Coo-Var Universal Degreaser and when should I use it?

Coo-Var Universal Degreaser is a solvent-based surface cleaner that removes oil, grease, and contamination from concrete, metal, wood, and tiles before acid etching, abrading, or painting. Use it as the essential first step in any surface preparation system to prevent paint adhesion failure caused by oil and grease contamination.

Why do I need to degrease before painting?

Oil and grease contamination is the primary cause of paint adhesion failure. Even small amounts of contamination prevent paint from bonding correctly, leading to peeling, flaking, and costly rework. Degreasing before acid etching, abrading, and painting ensures maximum paint adhesion and a long-lasting finish.

What is the correct surface preparation sequence?

The correct sequence is: 1) Degrease with Coo-Var Universal Degreaser to remove oil and grease. 2) Acid etch concrete with Coo-Var Acid Etch to chemically abrade the surface and create a key. 3) Abrade metal or wood with wire brush or sandpaper to create a key. 4) Apply your chosen floor paint or primer. Skipping the degreasing step risks paint adhesion failure, particularly on concrete floors and metal surfaces where oil contamination is common.

What surfaces can I use Universal Degreaser on?

Universal Degreaser is suitable for concrete floors, metal, wood, masonry, tiles, walls, and swimming pools, interior and exterior. It is versatile enough for all surfaces in your preparation system, from warehouse floors and garage floors to metal gates, swimming pools, and tiled surfaces. Test on an inconspicuous area first if unsure about surface compatibility.

How do I apply Universal Degreaser?

Apply by brush, mop, cloth, or spray depending on surface size and contamination. Work product into contaminated areas, scrubbing to lift oil and grease. Wipe or rinse surface clean to remove dissolved contamination. Allow solvent to evaporate fully before acid etching, abrading, or painting.

Is Universal Degreaser suitable for large areas?

Yes, Universal Degreaser is suitable for large floor areas, metal structures, and swimming pools. Work in manageable sections for best results. For surfaces with very heavy ingrained oil contamination over large areas, use Coo-Var Oil Remover first, then follow with Universal Degreaser for final preparation.

How long does Universal Degreaser take to dry?

Universal Degreaser has rapid flash-off — the solvent evaporates quickly, leaving surfaces dry and ready for the next preparation stage. Allow full evaporation before acid etching, abrading, or painting. Flash-off time varies depending on temperature and ventilation.

Does Universal Degreaser leave any residue?

No, Universal Degreaser evaporates quickly when used correctly, leaving no residue that could compromise paint adhesion. Wipe or rinse surface clean after scrubbing to remove dissolved contamination.

What safety precautions should I take when using Universal Degreaser?

Flash point 41°C — use in well-ventilated area away from open flames, sparks, and ignition sources. Wear appropriate PPE including gloves and eye protection. Store securely away from heat sources. Reseal container after each use. Consult the Safety Data Sheet for full safety guidance.

How much coverage can I expect from Universal Degreaser?

Universal Degreaser provides approximately 8–12 m² per litre depending on contamination level. A 2.5L tin covers approximately 20–30 m² on lightly contaminated surfaces and 10–15 m² on heavily contaminated surfaces. Order extra for heavily contaminated surfaces.

What products do I need after degreasing?

After degreasing, use Coo-Var Acid Etch to chemically abrade concrete floors and create a key for paint adhesion. Then abrade metal or wood to create a key. 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 Oil Remover – For heavily oil-saturated floors requiring deep oil removal before degreasing

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

• Coo-Var Floor Paints and Primers – Apply after degreasing, acid etching, and abrading 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

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