Eliminating paint from concrete is a time-consuming endeavor, but a determined DIYer is undoubtedly up to the task. Here is how to get it done right.
Concrete is porous, which means that it quickly absorbs liquids like paint. With this alleviate of penetration, paint can seep millimeters deep into a concrete surface. Accordingly, it can be a challenge to figure out how to eliminate paint from concrete, but it can certainly be done. How long does it take? That relies on the size of the area you are dealing with. But it is safe to hope that you won\’t be knocking this out before lunch. Think of removing paint from concrete as a current process, not as an item for your weekend to-do list.
If you have accidentally dripped some paint on your concrete driveway or garage floor, it may seem like it is there for good. When removing paint from concrete can be tough and time-consuming, you can do it with the correct products and perseverance. Follow this tutorial to remove even the stubbornest paint from your garage or patio.
PROJECT SUMMARY
- Clean the concrete surface entirely and let dry.
- Scrape peeled or chipped paint.
- Apply paint stripper and wait.
- Eliminate paint stripper residue.
- Reapply paint stripper as necessary.
HOW TO REMOVE PAINT FROM CONCRETE
MATERIALS AND TOOLS
- – Broom (or clean cotton rag)
- – Trisodium phosphate
- – Long-handled brush
- – Putty knife
- – Chemical paint stripper
- – Protective gear (respirator, dust mask, rubber gloves)
- – Clay powder or kitty litter (optional)
- – Pressure washer
1. Clean the concrete surface entirely and let dry.
First, When you set out to remove paint from concrete, the first step to do is clean the surface of the concrete entirely. Prepare a solution of soap and water, or better yet, diluted trisodium phosphate (TSP) – in which case, be sure to wear gloves. (If you have never cleaned with TSP before, read this.) Simultaneously, sweep or wipe off the concrete, removing as much release dust, dirt, and debris as possible. Now continue to work the soapy water or TSP into the concrete using a long-handled brush. Wash the area afterward, allowing one to 3 hours for the surface to dry.
2. Scrape peeled or chipped areas and implement paint stripper.
If some of the paint has already begun to chip or peel, scrape it away with a putty knife. Remember doing, get ready to implement the chemical paint stripper. You need to use one designed for the type of paint you are trying to remove. In other words, use oil-based paint stripper on a surface coated by oil-based paint. Unsure which kind of paint is on the concrete? If you are uncertain, your best bet is to opt for an oil-based paint stripper.
Once you have covered the concrete with a generous layer of paint stripper, let it sit for 6-8 hours. In that time, a chemical reaction will take place, the wonderful result of which is the removal of paint. Remember that if you are working with paint stripper, you must wear the appropriate suitable gear: a respirator (or at minimum, a dust mask), long sleeves, and good pair of rubber gloves.
3. Remove paint stripper residue.
For this stage of the job, so long as you are working on a thick concrete patch, you can possibly get by with a wire scrub brush or a paint scraper. On a bigger surface, to make things much more controllable, it is recommended that you rent a pressure washer from your local home center (or borrow one from a neighbor).
Having set the pressure washer at 3,000 psi, go ahead and blast away the paint stripper residue. Pretty soon, you will see whether or not it will be essential to repeat Step 2. It is not unreasonable to anticipate having to apply and then wash away multiple applications of paint stripper.
Paint Spills
What if you spill a gallon of paint on the garage floor, or unintentionally leave a thick splatter of bright orange color on the driveway? To clean it up, you would follow the same necessary steps outlined above, with one notable exception. Instead of applying a layer of paint stripper alone to the concrete, you would use a paste made from the stripper and superabsorbent material, such as finely ground clay powder or pulverized kitty litter.
Nonchemical Solutions
There are alternatives to using a paint stripper, but they are all more labor-intensive. For instance, on a concrete surface of humble size, you can choose to use an orbital sander. Moreover, a floor buffer can get the job done on a larger scale. But perhaps the most effective non-toxic option is a soda blaster, a tool very much like a sandblaster, except that instead of sand, it shoots out sodium bicarbonate or baking soda. You can most possible rent one – and buy the baking soda in bulk – at your local home center. Because all of the above options make fine particles, a dust mask or respirator is a must to eliminate paint from concrete, especially if you are working indoors.
