How to Remove Acrylic Latex Paint From a Cement Driveway
If your paint project got a bit out of hand and acrylic latex paint ended up on your concrete driveway instead of on the dropcloth, you can remove the paint without too much trouble. The tricky part is getting the paint out of the concrete's rough surface, but concrete is a sturdy surface that can safely tolerate rough scrubbing. The sooner you attack the acrylic paint stain, the easier it will be to remove. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Bucket
- Liquid dish detergent
- Stiff scrub brush
- Ammonia
- Gel paint thinner
Instructions
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Try soap and water first, as this simple treatment will often remove acrylic paint, especially if the paint has not completely set up. Fill a bucket with warm water, and then add several drops of liquid dish detergent until the mixture is sudsy. Scrub the painted area with a stiff scrub brush.
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Remove stubborn acrylic paint with ammonia. Apply ammonia full strength to the paint, and then allow the ammonia to saturate the paint for 15 to 20 minutes or until the paint begins to soften. Rinse the area thoroughly with clear water.
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Apply a gel paint stripper if other techniques do not remove the acrylic paint. Use the paint stripper strictly according to the directions provided on the package label.
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Scrub the cleaned area with soap and water to remove all traces of paint removal products. Rinse thoroughly, and then allow the area to dry.
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Tips & Warnings
If the acrylic paint is thick, you may be able to pull the paint from the concrete manually. Lift a corner of the paint with your fingers, and then lift the paint from the concrete.
Acetone may help to remove small areas of paint. Apply the acetone directly to the paint. Allow the acetone to soften the paint for 10 to 15 minutes, and then scrub the paint away. Use rubber gloves when working with acetone.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
