how do you take paint off of concrete?

Question

i got paint on concrete and i want to take it off

Answer 1

Small area: Use paint remover (paint stripper for furniture).
Paint remover (the original kind) uses methylene chloride to soften the paint so it can be removed easily. Problem: methylene chloride evaporates very quickly. Possible solution: after applying the stripper, put a plastic polyethlyene sheet over the paint to keep the methylene chloride from evaporating so quick (work on cool days/evenings too). Methylene chloride works on epoxy based paints which are normally chemically resistant. Methylene chloride is becoming harder to get because of VOC requirements and CFC considerations.

Large area: use sodium hydroxide (lye) or Drano crystals or similar caustic. **Concentrated** (saturated solution) lye will soften the paint so it can be brushed away. Its less expensive than paint stripper.

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

You are going to have a disposal problem - don't wash it down the drain or you may be fined. The EPA monitors the drains for polluters.

These are very hazardous chemicals that require respirators, adequate air, protective chemical equipment (rubber gloves, face shields), the area needs to be isolated so a pet or kids don't come in contact with the chemicals. If you won't take these precautions or don't know what you're doing, call a professional. Truly.

For the methylene chloride residue: pickup the old paint residue and let it dry out. Then you can dispose of the residue in plastic bags in the garbage (dry paint is considered non-hazardous in most areas, but not all - contact your waste management service).

The lye will soften the paint and can be dried out, but even the dried crystals can be hazardous if water is re-introduced - you may be able to neutralize the waste with a weak acid like vinegar to neutral pH, and then dry it out and dispose of it. You'll need some pH strips to test for neutral pH. Dried, neutral pH paint can be disposed the same way as regular dried paint - the exact method depends on where you live and your waste disposal service. Most areas have free disposal days for hazardous waste if you are otherwise required to pay.

BE CAREFUL with powerful chemicals and USE PRECAUTIONS so you don't hurt yourself, or others.

Another method: Sandblast. Look up a sandblast service in the Yellow pages and they'll come out with their portable blasting unit. Paint removal is their job. I can't advise further because I don't know the constraints, paint type, substrate, enclosed area, etc.

Most paints are acid-resistant to some degree, so muratic isn't effective; most paints ARE vulnerable to alkaline solutions (but not all). Concrete is an alkaline material, so won't be attacked to the same degree as with nuratic acid. Muratic acid will attack and eat up the concrete (maybe that's what you want, but probably not).

Answer 2

Muratic acid will eat a little of the concrete. It depends on how old the concrete is and how hard you scrub it. Baking soda will neutralize the muratic acid though. But I have never used it to remove paint. I have used a pressure washer many of times though and it is not very hard but it is time consuming. If it is only a little paint I would try some paint thinner or like the person above said through some dirt on it. If it is a lot you can pressure wash it. Both the muratic acid and the pressure wash is going to have to be done to the whole driveway or you will have noticeable difference in the color of the concrete. One part will be a lot cleaner from the pressure wash( which depending on where you live probably wont last that long) and the muratic may give a different texture if you scrub it or it is fresh concrete. Either way I would have the kid at least help you.

Answer 3

Water Blaster

Answer 4

Acetone

Answer 5

there is a product called blister. comes in a spray can. Check automotive parts stores.

Answer 6

i would try one of those extremely high pressure water sprayers made for paint removal

Answer 7

sand blasting works well if you're doing a large area (like a wall)

Answer 8

muriatic acid?

Answer 9

turpentine

Answer 10

use turpentie