Safely Removing Paint and Spray Paint from Concrete Surfaces

Paint or spray paint can be stubborn when stuck on concrete - especially if it's been sitting for a long time. Concrete flooring and walls are porous, which allows paint to soak deep below the surface.

Luckily, the durability of concrete allows for a few different, rigorous paint-removal techniques. With the right tools and expertise, professional cleaners or paint removal specialists can make light work of old paint stains on porous concrete - including spray paint.

Here, we're walking you through a few options for how to remove paint from concrete safely, easily, and professionally.

Important Considerations Before Attempting To Remove Paint From Concrete

Paint can be divided into two main types: solvent-based and water-based. Each has unique properties that require particular products and techniques for the best removal results.

So, before beginning any sort of removal procedure, consider the following and how they may affect your approach to cleaning:

• Type of paint: Different types of paint require different removal methods. For instance, Higher-performing coatings like epoxy are typically less affected by solvents, whereas water-based paint will transfer to a rag soaked in solvent, like acetone, more easily.

• Age of the paint: The longer the paint has been on the concrete, the harder it may be to remove. Old paint may also have several layers over top of one another, making removal more time-consuming and labor-intensive.

• Surface texture: The texture of the concrete surface can affect the ease of paint removal. Rough surfaces can make it difficult to completely remove paint from all the crevices and pores.

• Health and safety concerns: Many paint removal methods involve the use of harsh chemicals or mechanical equipment, which can pose health and safety risks to both the cleaners and the surrounding environment.

With these considerations in mind, here's what you should do before beginning, during, and after the paint removal process:

1. Inspect the concrete surface thoroughly to determine the type of paint, its condition, and any underlying issues such as cracks or damage.
2. Select the most appropriate paint removal method based on the type of paint and surface texture. This could involve using chemical strippers, pressure washing, or mechanical grinding.
3. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including skin, eye, and respiratory protection.
4. Before proceeding with full-scale paint removal, test your chosen method on a small patch of concrete to assess its effectiveness and to ensure it will not adversely affect the aesthetic appearance of the surface.
5. Take precautions to minimize damage to the concrete surface during the paint removal process. Avoid using excessive force or aggressive techniques that could cause etching or erosion.
6. After removing the paint, thoroughly clean the concrete surface to remove any residual material, debris, or chemical residues. Rinse the area with water and allow it to dry completely before applying any new coatings, treatments, or surface finishes.
7. Cover all plants and glass as certain removal chemicals can kill plants and etch glass.

How To Remove Paint From Concrete: 3 Common Methods

Method 1: Chemical Stripping

Chemical paint strippers, like Blue Bear 600GL Coatings Remover, soften and dissolve paint on concrete making it easier to remove.

1. Sweep the affected area to remove any dirt and debris.
2. Clean the concrete surface with water and mild detergent and let it dry completely before applying a chemical stripper.
3. Apply Blue Bear 600GL Coatings Remover using a mop or pump sprayer.
4. Let it dwell. Within minutes, you should see the coating lift from the surface.
5. Thoroughly rinse the area with clean water to remove any harmful chemicals. Or utilize the Use Blue Bear® Emerge™ Cleaner & Degreaser for quick and easy cleanup of any residue when finished.

Method 2: Pressure Washing

A high-pressure power washer is a viable option for removing paint from some concrete surfaces. Pressure washing is particularly effective for removing loose or peeling paint and stubborn paint spills or spray paint on concrete walls.

For the best results, use a high-powered pressure washer between 2,000 PSI and 4,000 PSI, such as the Makinex Dual Pressure Washer, which comes in 2,500 PSI and 4,000 PSI options.

1. Prepare the area by clearing it of any obstacles or debris that could interfere with the pressure washing process. Pro tip: Cover nearby plants or delicate surfaces to protect them from the high-pressure water.
2. Wear appropriate safety gear, including safety goggles, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
3. Choose a nozzle suitable for paint removal, such as a 15-degree or turbo nozzle.
4. Set the machine to a medium or high-pressure setting, depending on the thickness of the paint and the condition of the concrete.
5. Hold the pressure washer wand at a consistent distance from the concrete surface, usually around 6 to 12 inches. Begin washing in a side-to-side motion, overlapping each pass slightly to ensure thorough coverage.
6. Once you have removed the paint from the entire area, rinse the concrete surface thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining paint residue and debris.
7. Allow the concrete surface to dry completely.
8. If there are any remaining paint spots, you can repeat the pressure washing process or use other methods, such as chemical stripping, to finish the job.

Method 3: Mechanical Grinding

Concrete floor grinders with diamond tooling or carbide-tipped blades can be effective for removing stubborn paint from horizontal concrete surfaces.

This method is most viable for removing thin layers of paint or smoothing out uneven surfaces. However, it can be labor-intensive and may produce a lot of hazardous dust, so proper ventilation and dust control measures are essential when selecting this method.

1. Wear appropriate safety gear, including safety goggles, gloves, a mask, and ear protection. Clear the area of any obstacles or debris that could interfere with the grinding process.
2. Choose a suitable mechanical grinder for the job. A handheld angle grinder with a diamond grinding wheel or a larger walk-behind grinder with diamond grinding discs is suitable depending on the size of the job.
3. Before starting on the main area, test the grinder on a small, inconspicuous section of the concrete to gauge its effectiveness and ensure it won't cause any damage.
4. Divide the painted concrete area into manageable sections and work on one section at a time.
5. Move the grinder in a back-and-forth or circular motion over the painted concrete surface, applying even pressure. Keep the grinder moving steadily to avoid creating gouges or uneven spots.
6. Rinse the concrete surface with clean water to remove leftover paint dust or debris.
7. Once the surface is dry, inspect it for any missed spots or areas that may require touch-up grinding. Touch up as needed to ensure a smooth and uniform finish.

Prep and Polish Concrete Flooring Post Paint Removal Like a True Professional

Sometimes, professionals need to refinish concrete flooring after paint removal - especially after mechanical grinding.

Jon-Don is proud to partner with industry-leading instructors to offer concrete classes and seminars for prepping and polishing to installing fresh concrete coatings.

For upcoming availability and schedules, visit our Concrete Polishing and Epoxy Classes page.