Step By Step Process Of Removing Paint From Concrete Floor
Concrete is regarded as one of the best as well as affordable flooring options, when it comes to modifying your home. One of the best things about the concrete floor is that if by mistake a fresh paint gets on your concrete surface, it can be removed and cleaned up easily, you simply need to pour small amount of water on the surface and then with the help of a hard-bristled brush and detergent, you can easily scrub it away. However, getting rid of the dried paint can be a difficult task due to the reason that concrete readily soaks up the paint. Removing dried paint can take a lot of time but it is not impossible to completely remove it from the concrete floor. Removing a fresh paint from the concrete floor is an easy task, provided you follow the right technique & use the right tools. In order to start the paint removal process, firstly you need to gather certain items required for the process before going through the step by step process carefully:
Items Needed
- Protective Gear
- A Vacuum Cleaner Or A Broom
- TSP Alternative
- A Scrub Brush (Long-Handled)
- Putty Knife (Optional)
- Paint Stripper
- Hose Or Power Washer
Step 1: Deep Clean A Concrete Surface & Allow It To Dry
First of all, you need to deep clean a concrete surface with the help of a broom or a vacuum cleaner & get rid of any dirt or debris. Now, put together a solution of warm water and soap, or you can also make ready warm water and a trisodium phosphate (TSP) alternative, then with the help of a wide-wire brush, clean the surface. If you use TSP instead of going for an alternative, make sure to wear long sleeves, goggles, as well as a pair of gloves in order to protect yourself from any harmful activity. Allow your solution to fully dry for nearly two to three hours.
Step 2: Apply A Paint Stripper
After deep cleaning the concrete surface, you may have already removed some paint. Make sure to grind off as much of the paint as you possibly can and then apply paint stripper to the remaining area. Turpentine or mineral spirits can also be the best option when it comes to stripping off the paint from the concrete floor. If in case this doesn’t work, then the only option to use is a paint stripper that is specifically recommended to use for concrete.
Step 3: Give The Paint Stripper Some Time To Set
The paint stripper will need some time in order to show its effect successfully & the time it takes to set is totally dependent on the stretch to which the paint has affected the area. The time range can be in between 30 minutes to as many as eight or more hours. Keep in mind not to apply the paint stripper in windy or very hot conditions due to the reason that it might dry prematurely.
Step 4: Scrub The Surface
Now, scrub off the loosened paint with the help of wide-wire brush. Continue as long as no more paint comes off. If in case you have to get rid of the latex paint, then you simply need to use warm soapy water to scrub the paint. Oil-based paints are difficult to clean, so, move on to the next step.
Step 5: Follow Up The Scrubbing With A Power Wash
With the help of a high-powered garden hose or a power washer, get rid of any difficult to remove or cure paint residue. A power wash is particularly helpful for outdoor surfaces including concrete walls, driveways, and walkways. If in case the paint doesn’t removed completely, then again apply the paint stripper and repeat the succeeding steps.
Step 6: Clean The Area To Remove All Paint Stripper
As soon as all the paint has been fully eliminated, hose down or clean the area & then get rid of all the paint stripper and any other chemicals that you might have used. Dry the surface entirely before sealing or painting it as you want. Sealing the concrete surface not only improves its appearance but also safeguards it from harmful UV rays and the elements.