How to Remove Paint from Concrete

Removing old or faded paint from concrete can give a concrete floor, wall or outdoor surface a new lease on life. It's also an important first step to complete before applying any new finish to concrete such as paint or urethane.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning Supplies
• Scraping tool or sandpaper
• Bucket to collect stripped paint
• Solvent or stripping agent

Instructions

1. Clean the surface carefully to remove all traces of grease, dirt, moisture or other substances.

2. Decide what method you will use to remove the paint: scraping or by applying a solvent or stripping agent. Scraping or sandpaper can mar the concrete surface. Solvents and stripping agents can be toxic and don't work for all types of paint and concrete surfaces.

3. Remove the paint using the method you've selected.

4. Collect stripped paint for disposal. Contact your local hazardous materials coordinator for disposal information.

5. Rinse the concrete surface with water.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your local hardware store about the best way to remove paint for your particular project.

• Use a pressure washer to clean concrete surfaces before removing paint and to rinse them afterward.

• Many older paints contain lead. If you suspect that the paint you're removing contains lead, do not remove it yourself. Instead, contact a licensed contractor to remediate the lead paint.

• If you are using solvents or stripping agents in enclosed areas, such as garages or basements, ventilate the area before beginning the project to prevent inhaling toxic fumes.

• Wear eye protection and gloves when handling solvents or stripping agents.

• Some paints are toxic as are solvents and stripping agents, dispose of these hazardous materials with care to avoid harming yourself or the environment.