<script type="application/ld+json">
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What should I use to clean up BlackTop and to clean surfaces before applying BlackTop?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"For cleanup of uncured BlackTop, use KBS #1 Thinner or lacquer thinner. For cleaning surfaces before applying BlackTop, use only a water-based cleaner like KBS Klean. Solvent-based cleaners leave behind a residue that can hinder adhesion and the appearance of BlackTop. When thinning or reducing BlackTop, only use KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene. Be sure to review the BlackTop Application Directions before beginning your project."}}]}
</script><p>There are two separate scenarios — cleanup of uncured <a style="color:#cc0000;text-decoration:none;" href="https://kbs-coatings.com/blacktop" target="_top"><strong>BlackTop</strong></a>, and cleaning a surface before applying BlackTop. The right product is different for each. Use <a style="color:#cc0000;text-decoration:none;" href="https://kbs-coatings.com/number1-thinner" target="_top">KBS #1 Thinner</a> or lacquer thinner to clean up uncured BlackTop. For surface prep, only use a <strong>water-based cleaner</strong> like <a style="color:#cc0000;text-decoration:none;" href="https://kbs-coatings.com/kbs-klean" target="_top">KBS Klean</a> — solvent-based cleaners leave behind a residue that can hinder adhesion and appearance.</p><table style="background-color:#fffbe6;border-collapse:collapse;border-left:4px solid #e6b800;border-radius:4px;margin:20px 0;width:100%;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="padding:16px 18px;"><p style="color:#7a5c00;font-size:15px;margin:0 0 6px;"><strong>Pro Tip — Thinning or Reducing BlackTop?</strong></p><p style="color:#333;font-size:14px;margin:0;">Only use KBS #1 Thinner or Xylene when thinning or reducing BlackTop. Other thinners can negatively affect the finish and performance of the coating.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Before you begin, review the complete BlackTop application instructions for full prep, thinning, and coat guidance.</p><table style="background-color:#f5f5f5;border-collapse:collapse;border-left:4px solid #cc0000;border-radius:4px;margin:20px 0;width:100%;" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td style="padding:16px 18px;"><p style="color:#1a1a1a;font-size:15px;margin:0 0 6px;"><strong>Ready to Get Started?</strong></p><p style="color:#444;font-size:14px;margin:0 0 14px;">Get the full BlackTop directions and shop BlackTop, KBS Klean, and KBS #1 Thinner — everything you need from prep to finish.</p><a style="background-color:#fff;border:1px solid #999;color:#1a1a1a;display:inline-block;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:8px;margin-right:10px;padding:9px 18px;text-decoration:none;" href="https://kbs-coatings.com/blacktop-directions" target="_top"><strong>BlackTop Directions</strong></a><a style="background-color:#fff;border:1px solid #999;color:#1a1a1a;display:inline-block;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:8px;margin-right:10px;padding:9px 18px;text-decoration:none;" href="https://kbs-coatings.com/kbs-klean" target="_top"><strong>Shop KBS Klean</strong></a><a style="background-color:#fff;border:1px solid #999;color:#1a1a1a;display:inline-block;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:8px;margin-right:10px;padding:9px 18px;text-decoration:none;" href="https://kbs-coatings.com/number1-thinner" target="_top"><strong>Shop KBS #1 Thinner</strong></a><a style="background-color:#cc0000;color:#fff;display:inline-block;font-size:14px;margin-bottom:8px;padding:9px 18px;text-decoration:none;" href="https://kbs-coatings.com/blacktop" target="_top"><strong>Shop BlackTop</strong></a></td></tr></tbody></table>