Paint on concrete is not an unusual combination. Whether it was an intentional paint job, a random spill, a result of paintballing, or a creative bout of graffiti, the reasons for the union are endless. Removing the paint from the concrete surface is another thing altogether.
The porous nature of concrete causes it to absorb paint like most other liquids. Paint goes a few millimeters below the concrete surface, making cleaning paint off it quite challenging but not entirely impossible.
Deciding to remove paint from concrete may not be immediately after the incident; it may even be a few years later, after the old paint has bored you or when you just need a clean look.
But the time will come (it may be right now), and we’d be here to guide you with this comprehensive guide when it comes. You’re welcome!
Table of Contents
Before You Begin
Well, you can’t just jump right to removing paint from concrete, can you? There are a few things to consider, and they would be the determining factors on how you proceed and what method would benefit you best.
For one, various chemicals are used to make different kinds of paint. One paint removal method will only be optimal for some paint types. Also, the area you wish to clean will determine the method you use and the time the whole process will take.
Furthermore, you need to know what you plan to achieve. If you want to repaint your wall or floor, you may not need to entirely remove the old paint provided you use the same type of paint (water-based or oil-based), or you can apply a primer before starting.
You will need the following tools to remove paint from concrete include
- Broom and Dustpan or vacuum
- Paint Stripper (water-based or oil-based)
- Scrub Brush, Paint Scraper, or Putty Knife
- Industrial Sodium Bicarbonate
- Bucket
- Protective Gear
- Garden hose
- Power washer
- Old paintbrush
- Dishwashing liquid
- Old clothes
- Paint thinner
- Pot blaster
- Floor grinder
How to Remove Paint From Concrete
You can remove paint from concrete in five ways. However, we divide these paint removal methods into two broad categories: methods that use chemicals and those without chemicals.
| Methods With Chemicals | Methods Without Chemicals |
| Paint stripper | Soda blasting |
| Absorbent Paint Stripper | Pressure washing |
| Floor Grinding |
There are many ways to choose to remove paint from concrete effectively. You can opt for a relatively quick and less stressful job using the paint strippers, or you may want to avoid using potentially dangerous chemicals. Of all the non-chemical options, the soda blasting method is the most effective and least laborious.
Whatever method you choose when removing paint from concrete, ensuring the affected area is clean is crucial. You can sweep away dirt with a broom and then use soapy or warm water with trisodium phosphate to scrub away. Allow it to dry for a while, up to 24 hours.
Method 1: Paint Stripper
A paint stripper is a chemical product that dissolves and removes paint and other coatings from a surface while cleaning it. It is also called paint remover.
Step 1- Choosing the suitable paint stripper
This is the first step since there are various paint strippers. You may need one specific to water- or oil-based paints or a multipurpose one. If you need help determining the type of paint to remove, try it on a test area to check its effectiveness.
Depending on whether the affected area is internal or external, you can choose the stripper that works. Soy gel paint remover, for example, is made entirely of soy. It is biodegradable, less toxic, and eco-friendly, making it a better internal use option.
Step 2: Paint stripper application
Apply a generous amount of paint stripper to the affected area with a brush (an old paintbrush) or a squeegee. A thick coating is your best bet for working into the paint and doing a better job. When applying, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Step 3: Allow to sit
Leave the stripper on the affected area for a long time; it could be a few minutes to hours (as instructed by the manufacturer) so that it can penetrate the paint until it softens.
If you are working outside, there is a high chance that the paint and stripper will evaporate. You can now wrap the stripper in laminated paper, polythene, or cling film.
Although newer paint strippers do not contain Methylene Chloride, a toxic chemical that works faster, it is still best to cover it for your safety. Keep children and animals away from the area during this time.
Step 4: Scrape/scrub away
After allowing the paint stripper to work, you will notice that the paint has visibly separated from the concrete. It will appear wrinkly, puckered, or rough.
When you see this, grab a paint scraper, scrub brush, or putty knife and manually scrape off any loose paint. Continue until the stain is no longer visible.
This manual task may require you to get down on all fours. It is determined by how well the paint separates from the concrete’s s
Step 5: Wash away
Proceed to hose down the area to remove any remaining paint debris. It will assist you in evaluating your previous work.
Pressurized water can help remove stubborn paint stains. Pay attention to this step as well because this method releases harmful chemicals.
You can do this with a garden hose and dish soap. For a quicker finish, sweep and pack the particles before washing them.
Step 6: Assess and repeat
Depending on the results of step 5, you may need to repeat the process until the surface is paint-free.
Safety Tip: Wear protective gear when working with paint strippers.
Method 2: Absorbent Paint Stripper
When the paint you want to remove from concrete is a more difficult stain and covers a larger area, you can use an absorbent paint stripper.
Unlike the pure paint stripper method, fine ground clay or clean ground cat litter is absorbent and will aid in paint removal.
Step 1: Prepare the absorbent paint stripper
Mix equal parts paint stripper and finely ground clay (or cat litter, depending on your preference) in a bucket. Make sure the mixture produces a thick paste before proceeding.
Step 2: Apply the paste to the concrete
Apply a generous amount of the paste to the affected area, as you would any other paint stripper.
Step 3: Set it aside
Allow the paste to dry on the concrete for a few minutes. Different paint strippers have different sitting times, so read the manufacturer’s instructions on the container.
The clay (or cat litter) in the DIY stripper will soak up the paint and pull the residue off the concrete surface, making it easier to remove.
Step 4: Scrape/scour away
After the paste has done its work, scour the area with a paint scraper or a brush to remove the residue.
Step 5: Rinse, and Repeat
Allow the area to dry after rinsing it with water to remove debris. If there are still paint remnants on the concrete, repeat the process.
Tip: A heat gun can speed up the process while the paste is still on the affected area. This should, however, be used in non-explosion-prone areas.
Safety Tip: Wear protective gear and avoid direct contact with your body while handling paint stripper chemicals.
Method 3: Soda Blasting
The soda blasting technique effectively removes paint from concrete while avoiding using chemicals. It is similar to sandblasting but without the sand, and it is less aggressive and damaging to the concrete.
Soda blasting effectively removes stubborn paint stains over a large area. The technique uses granular sodium bicarbonate that is pushed at high pressure into the stain, breaking apart multiple paint layers.
Step 1: Obtain a blaster
You can rent the pot blaster you need for this method from a hardware store or equipment rental company. The use of this equipment requires some knowledge and skill. A quick video tutorial can help you get started, or you can hire a professional.
The type of baking soda sold at the grocery store is not the same as the one used here; it is too fine. You will need special sodium bicarbonate, which you can obtain from the same location as the machine.
Tip: Do not attempt to use a sandblaster as an alternative; it does not work.
Step 2: Prepping for action
Wear a respirator before you begin to protect yourself from inhaling flying particles. You should also wear other protective equipment such as goggles, protective clothing, gloves, etc.
Fill the machine’s reservoir with sodium bicarbonate. To properly set the blaster, read the manufacturer’s manual—close all the valves before turning on the device.
Step 3: Blast the affected area
Direct the blaster’s nozzle about a foot and a half away from the affected area and work slowly and evenly to remove the paint.
Step 4: Clean the area
Wash away paint chips and soda bicarbonate with a garden hose or power washer.
Tip: Avoid allowing soda bicarbonate to contact nearby plants or fauna. The high pH is hazardous to plant health. Plants should be relocated or covered.
Method 4: Power Washing
Power/pressure washing is a simple and environmentally friendly method. This technique does not require any chemicals. It’s an excellent choice for outdoor or garage cleaning. However, it may not be very effective for older paint. A pressure washer can be rented or purchased at a hardware store.
Step 1: Preparing for the work
The first step is to select an effective pressure washer. Choose a power washer with a flow rate (volume output) of 4 – 6 gallons per minute and a PSI of about 3000 (higher pressure for tougher stains). A strong spray should have a nozzle angle between 15 and 25 degrees.
Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, gloves, and safety goggles.
Step 2: Apply concrete cleaner
While only water will do the trick, this small addition makes a big difference. Apply the concrete cleaner to the paint’s surface and let it sit for a few minutes, as the manufacturer directs.
Step 3: Blast away
Hold the nozzle downwards, about 12 inches from the surface, and start washing. To remove the paint, use a sweeping motion and steady hands.
Method 5: Floor Grinding
This method uses a floor grinder, a powerful machine that removes imperfections from concrete. It’s a hand-held tool with a grinding disc attached at the base. It effectively removes a thin coat of paint and smoothens the concrete.
Step 1: Get a grinder
You can rent or buy a floor grinder from home improvement companies or hardware stores. A grinder equipped with a vacuum will reduce the dust produced during the process. There are floor grinders for smooth, even concrete, and uneven concrete.
Step 2: Grind the paint off
Power up the floor grinder and get to work.
Preventing Future Paint Stains on Concrete
The best way to protect your concrete wall or floor from future occurrences is to seal or wax the surface. Concrete sealing covers the pores in the concrete, making absorption difficult and cleaning up easier.
Apply the sealant to a clean, smooth, and even surface. When paint spills, simply clean it up with soap and water. If the paint has dried, scraping it off the surface will suffice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Paint Strippers Damage an Underlying Design?
The type of paint stains and stripper used will determine the outcome, especially if done carefully or with the Peel Away kind of stripper.
Can Vinegar Remove Paint from Concrete?
Yes, vinegar is a natural paint remover. After heating it, apply it to the affected area with a brush or sponge.
Is It a Good Idea to Paint Over an Existing Layer of Paint?
Adding a new layer to existing paint may result in a smoother, more appealing finish than expected.
Final Words
This article outlined step-by-step procedures for removing paint from concrete. You can use whichever method works best for you and follow the instructions.
Nonetheless, if an accidental paint spill occurs, it is a simple fix. If you have any further questions, please leave them in the comments section below.
