How to Remove Concrete Paint

Use caution and follow all safety advice when stripping paint from concrete.

Although you have several options for removing concrete paint, including sandblasting, pressure washing and air tools, chemical strippers are typically the best method of removal, as they are able to dissolve and break up the paint. However, you may need to test several different products to get one that works best on your concrete.

Things You'll Need

• Acid-resistant gloves
• Protective goggles, clothing
• Air purifying respirator
• Drop cloths
• Concrete paint stripper
• Stirring stick
• Paint tray or bucket
• Paintbrush or airless sprayer
• Scraper, squeegee, pressure washer
• Liquid dishwashing soap
• Bucket
• Mop

Instructions

1. Don protective clothing and equipment, including acid-resistant gloves, protective goggles and an air purifying respirator. If working outdoors, protect nearby foliage with drop cloths. Maintain all safety precautions and follow the chemical remover's safety instructions at all times.

2. Shake the concrete paint remover well before opening. Stir the mixture in case the water has separated. Pour the remover into a paint tray or into an airless sprayer.

3. Test a small area on the concrete to determine the time needed to remove the paint and whether the chosen remover is suitable for the project. Once you know the reaction time and the effectiveness of the remover, proceed to the next step.

4. Working in sections, apply the remover using a paintbrush or an airless sprayer. Avoid using a paint roller as it is more prone to causing harmful splashbacks. Coat the paint in a thick, even layer of the remover.

5. Once the coating starts to wrinkle, the paint is ready to remove. You can use a pressure washer to remove the paint, but a squeegee or scraper is preferable to avoid the coating and residue from making a bigger mess. Sometimes, additional coats of remover are needed to remove all the paint.

6. Clean up the residual mess with a solution of 2 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing soap mixed in a bucket of water. Mop the area clean, then mop and rinse with clean water. The surface must be cleaned and dry before applying a new coating of paint or sealer.

Tips & Warnings

• Most removers work in as little as an hour or two but can take up to four or five hours according to environmental factors such as heat and humidity.

• The surface should remain wet while the remover is working. If an area becomes dry, apply a light coat of remover.

• If the remover comes in contact with any other surfaces or items, rinse immediately with water.

• Wear protective gear at all times while working with chemicals, and keep the area as well ventilated as possible. Removers contain harsh chemicals and solvents. Also, old paints might include lead and could release lead dust.

References

• ConcreteNetwork.com: Chemical Strippers for Removing Concrete Sealers and Coatings
• ConcreteNetwork.com: Types of Chemical Stippers