What Removes Paint From Cement?
Removing paint from a cement surface can be done using different methods and products. The best product or method depends a lot on whether the cement is indoors or outdoors and whether the paint contains lead. If indoors, power washing is usually out of the question, for example, and high-fume chemical solvents are dangerous to use. Outdoors, plants and grass must be protected from paint removal product overspray and runoff.
Other People Are Reading
-
Products
-
Paint removers are either organically-based or chemically-based. Organic biodegradable formulas usually contain soy. Chemical removers may contain methylene chloride, a powerful solvent, or other substances that are dangerous to work with. Examples of biodegradable products include Peel Away Smart Strip, Soy-Gel, and RemovAll. Chemical products include Strypeeze and Goof Off.
Tools
-
When using a paint remover, you will need something to spread the remover with---such as a paint brush or roller. For removing the softened paint, you'll need long-handled scrapers or similar tools. You'll also need water and a mop for cleanup.
If removing paint by mechanical means alone, tools include power sanders, power scrapers, shot blasters (which propel small particles against the cement surface to mechanically abrade the paint away), heat guns and power washers.
-
Benefits
-
Products that soften the paint make mechanical removal much easier. In addition, the biodegradable, soy-based products are suitable for removing paint that might be contaminated with lead. These products are low fume and keep paint dust down, reducing a worker's exposure to dangerous lead particles.
Heat guns, power washers and other mechanical methods require little wait time---these may be best in areas where there aren't many layers of paint and the job needs to be done quickly.
Drawbacks
-
The drawbacks of using paint removal products include exposure to dangerous chemicals (if using solvent-based removers) and a long wait time (the paint can take several hours to soften, especially if you are using safer, biodegradable formulas).
Mechanical methods, such as scraping and sanding, create a lot of dust, are usually quite labor-intensive and may damage the cement's surface. Heat guns can cause injury to the user or the surface. Power washers can also damage the cement if not used properly.
Warning
-
Some chemical paint removal products are flammable and create hazardous fumes. You must ventilate the work area well and wear a respirator with these. Chemical removers containing sodium hydroxide are very caustic. Organic removers are safer; however, in all cases the worker should wear protective gear such as safety goggles and gloves.
All mechanical means of paint removal can also be dangerous--choose the easiest, safest method for the particular situation and your skills.
-
