How to Remove Paint from a Concrete Porch
First assess whether your under-surface is poured concrete, mortared concrete block, or block with some kind of coating over it such as stucco., If you've got mortared block or block with a coated or stuccoed surface, mechanical paint removal...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: First assess whether your under-surface is poured concrete
Poured concrete can stand up relatively well to mechanical cleaning methods such as sand blasting, pressure washing, or scraping.
The aesthetic of poured concrete may be the look you're after, so read on. -
Step 2: mortared concrete block
, Paint showing poor adhesion can be scraped off by hand using a metal paint scraper and wire brush.
Hand scraping and wire brushing is the safest way to go.
If paint is loose, this method is easy but tedious.
If you don't think you've got the patience, buy a dozen scrapers and wire brushes and invite a group of friends willing to pitch in for an all day porch scraping party.
Have safety masks for everybody to avoid breathing any paint particles. , If you don't already own a pressure washer or sand blaster, you can rent these from local tool rental stores or your nearest big box home supply store.
Start early and you should be able to complete a porch in one day.
Carefully follow the directions that come with the power tool you've rented.
Use eye protection and take care never to aim pressurized sand or water at your own feet, your pets, or anyone else.
If you have neighbors located close to your porch, take into consideration that particles and overspray could drift their way. , More importantly, you can determine whether there has been water seepage or some other problem that damaged the old paint and should be corrected. , Chemical cleaning may be your best option if the paint you're removing is not a full coat but only a paint spill or splatter spotting that hasn't come off when you scraped or wired brushed it. , The most effective is formic acid.
Formic acid has been distilled for centuries from the venom of stinging ants.
Don't inhale the fumes.
Prolonged exposure to the fumes can damage your optic nerves.
Using formic acid in an open, ventilated area such as a porch should not cause any problems, as long as you protect yourself with rubber gloves, long sleeves and pants, eye protection against splashing, and a breathing mask. , Allow it to remain on the paint long enough to dissolve the paint.
How long can vary depending on how old and hard the paint is.
When the paint is soft, you can pry it of with a hand scraper and wire brush, then rinse with fresh water.
On a porch, you can accomplish this with your garden hose. ,, If you suspect the paint contains lead, local laws may require you to hire a pro for this project, so check before you start. -
Step 3: or block with some kind of coating over it such as stucco.
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Step 4: If you've got mortared block or block with a coated or stuccoed surface
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Step 5: mechanical paint removal methods could seriously damage your walls
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Step 6: so are not recommended.
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Step 7: determine whether the paint is adhering well
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Step 8: or it is bubbling
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Step 9: peeling
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Step 10: or flaking.
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Step 11: If you don't have concerns about damaging your walls or concrete floor
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Step 12: old paint can be powered off with a pressure washer or sand blaster.
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Step 13: Once you can see the underlying surface of your wall/floor
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Step 14: you can determine whether old paint failed due to some sealant or other priming issues on your concrete surface.
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Step 15: If the area you're dealing with is not huge
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Step 16: and especially if the old paint is adhering well to the concrete
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Step 17: you may opt for chemical removal.
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Step 18: Chemical removal of paint from concrete or stone requires an acid.
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Step 19: Apply the acid directly from the bottle with a sponge or cloth.
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Step 20: Whichever paint removal method you use
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Step 21: capture the scrapings or rinsed off paint residue for proper disposal.
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Step 22: If you suspect that the paint residue contains lead
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Step 23: contact your local trash collection authorities before you start your project for information on proper handling and disposal.
Detailed Guide
Poured concrete can stand up relatively well to mechanical cleaning methods such as sand blasting, pressure washing, or scraping.
The aesthetic of poured concrete may be the look you're after, so read on.
, Paint showing poor adhesion can be scraped off by hand using a metal paint scraper and wire brush.
Hand scraping and wire brushing is the safest way to go.
If paint is loose, this method is easy but tedious.
If you don't think you've got the patience, buy a dozen scrapers and wire brushes and invite a group of friends willing to pitch in for an all day porch scraping party.
Have safety masks for everybody to avoid breathing any paint particles. , If you don't already own a pressure washer or sand blaster, you can rent these from local tool rental stores or your nearest big box home supply store.
Start early and you should be able to complete a porch in one day.
Carefully follow the directions that come with the power tool you've rented.
Use eye protection and take care never to aim pressurized sand or water at your own feet, your pets, or anyone else.
If you have neighbors located close to your porch, take into consideration that particles and overspray could drift their way. , More importantly, you can determine whether there has been water seepage or some other problem that damaged the old paint and should be corrected. , Chemical cleaning may be your best option if the paint you're removing is not a full coat but only a paint spill or splatter spotting that hasn't come off when you scraped or wired brushed it. , The most effective is formic acid.
Formic acid has been distilled for centuries from the venom of stinging ants.
Don't inhale the fumes.
Prolonged exposure to the fumes can damage your optic nerves.
Using formic acid in an open, ventilated area such as a porch should not cause any problems, as long as you protect yourself with rubber gloves, long sleeves and pants, eye protection against splashing, and a breathing mask. , Allow it to remain on the paint long enough to dissolve the paint.
How long can vary depending on how old and hard the paint is.
When the paint is soft, you can pry it of with a hand scraper and wire brush, then rinse with fresh water.
On a porch, you can accomplish this with your garden hose. ,, If you suspect the paint contains lead, local laws may require you to hire a pro for this project, so check before you start.
About the Author
Dorothy Bailey
Brings years of experience writing about lifestyle and related subjects.
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