Trying to remove paint from concrete can be a pain if you are not sure how. We have just made your job easier by researching different methods to successfully remove almost any kind of paint from your concrete porch.
The methods to remove paint from concrete vary from chemical or non-chemical paint strippers to using no products other than water and a hose. First, determine the type of paint to be removed, and then you can select your preferred removal method from any of the options listed below:
- Garden hose
- Pressure washer
- Scrub brush
- Paint stripper (chemical or non-chemical)
- Industrial sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
- Unscented cat litter
- Blasting unit
We will go over all the different options in-depth to know how to use them to make the best choice for your situation. Keep reading, as we'll also share some of the best available paint strippers and whether painting concrete is a good idea.
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How To Remove Paint From A Concrete Porch
The first thing to consider for spilled paint or old paint on concrete is whether the paint is water-based or oil-based. If you are using a paint stripper this will be helpful to choose a product for the best results. If the paint is water-based then you want to use a water-based paint stripper; if the paint is oil-based then you want to use an oil-based paint stripper. However, if you are unsure of the paint's base, we recommend using an oil-based paint stripper.
Paint stripper and Pressure Washer
This efficient method involves using a chemical paint stripper or non-chemical, a scrub brush, and a pressure washer. Once you've gathered your paint stripper and cleaning tools, follow these steps:
- Give the area a deep cleaning and allow it to dry thoroughly.
- Apply a generous amount of paint stripper to the area, allowing enough time (per instructions) for the paint stripper to set.
- Using a scrub brush designed to handle build-up and debris, make sure you give the area a good scrub so it can loosen up the paint.
- After scrubbing, set your pressure washer between 2000 psi and 4000 psi and spray the area. Remember, always be careful when using a pressure washer as it can cut wood, skin, and many other things.
- Repeat these steps until the paint is off.
Click here to see this heavy-duty Liebman scrub brush on Amazon.
Paint Stripper And Garden Hose
If you do not have a pressure washer, you can do all the previous steps mentioned using a high-powered garden hose instead. You may have to repeat these steps to scrub and repeatedly rinse without a pressure washer.
Click here to see this high-pressure spray nozzle hose on Amazon.
Absorbent Paint Stripper Using Cat Litter
You can make an absorbent paint stripper for immediate spills by mixing either ground clay or unscented cat litter with paint stripper. Doing this will make a thick paste that you would then apply; once the mixture is dry, you would take your scrub brush, garden hose, or pressure washer and repeat the removal process until the spill is gone. We recommend using an absorbent paint stripper for large spills.
Homemade Paint Stripper Using Industrial Sodium Bicarbonate
If you are interested in making homemade paint stripper, so you do not have to worry about toxins with small children or pets in proximity, there are plenty of household alternatives that can be used.
You probably have baking soda in your cabinet. However, the kind you can buy at the grocery store is too fine; so, you will need to look at your local hardware store for industrial sodium bicarbonate. If the area you intend to clean is large, then using industrial sodium bicarbonate will most likely be the most effective, natural method.
Click here to see this sodium bicarbonate on Amazon.
Blasting Unit
You can also rent a blaster from your local hardware store if you do not have one available to you. Make sure to cover any plants that you don't want to be ruined. Follow the instructions provided to prepare the blaster. Once the blaster is ready, aim it at least a foot and a half away and spray. Evenly spray all of the areas not to miss anything.
The industrial sodium bicarbonate will disintegrate the paint. When doing this, make sure that you are wearing a respirator or some protective face covering, so you do not inhale any harmful fumes.
What is the best paint remover for concrete?
When choosing between a chemical paint stripper and a non-chemical paint stripper, consider small children and pets nearby to select non-hazardous ingredients. Of course, you'll also want to choose either water-based or oil-based depending on the paint base you are attempting to remove.
Here are a couple of options available for paint strippers:
Dumond Chemicals
Peel Away is a heavy-duty, top-rated, water-based paint stripper. This product contains no VOC or harmful fumes and can be used on indoor and outdoor surfaces.
Smart Strip is an eco-friendly, biodegradable paint stripper. The water-based formula will work well on concrete surfaces to remove up to 15 coats of paint.
Sunnyside
For use on interior and exterior concrete, Back To Nature Ready-Strip Advanced is a no-drip formula that would be ideal for use on vertical surfaces. Remove up to seven layers of paint with one application.
Remove oil-based paints with this 2-Minute Remover Advanced, gel formula by Sunnyside.
The Real Milk Paint Co.
Made from 100% natural ingredients, Citrus Solvent is an oil-based paint thinner. It can be used to provide a deep clean to your concrete surface prior to paint removal.
Is painting concrete a good idea?
There are many advantages to painting concrete. One of these advantages is that it is budget-friendly. Painting is an easy way for homeowners to bring space back to life without breaking the bank. You can cover up surface discoloration and any signs of wear and tear. Painting concrete also helps to extend the life of the concrete by preventing further damage.
Although painting concrete isn't the easiest process it could be worth it. You want to make sure that when you decide to take on this task that you follow simple steps:
- Clean the surface.
- Get paint that is made for concrete - either masonry or epoxy-based. We recommend epoxy-based because it is durable and stain-resistant.
- Use the correct tools - masonry paintbrush or a textured roller.
You also want to start from the far side of the room to end near a door so that you will be able to exit when you are finished.
In Conclusion
Having a paint spill on concrete can seem like a hassle. By having many options available, removing paint becomes simpler. These options range from toxic, non-toxic, and homemade paint strippers. You will not have to worry about young children and pets being in harm's way with the non-toxic being an option. You can make homemade adsorbent paint strippers for the tougher spills that will help lift the paint. With all the options available you will be able to get your concrete area looking clean again.