How do you remove paint from concrete driveway?
Last August the lid on a can of blue paint came off and onto the driveway. We were able to get some off, but not all. The pain dried quickly because it was one of those 110 degree days. I went to a home improvement store where they advised me to get a paint remover, explained that its harsh chemicals I will need to use gloves, long clothing and basically whatever I wear when I do put the remover on will have to be thrown out. Since it was during the summer the person at the home improvement store also said the paint would eventually start to peel. Here we are July 2012, the paint is still there and never peeled. It has faded some though. We are about to move soon and we'd like to clean this up once and for all. We still have the paint stripper. What tools do I need when using the paint stripper (I've heard a steel brush might be useful). I'm wondering if a sander might also work. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Update:The paint that was spilled was an interior satin finish paint. I forget the brand but it was one of the name brand paints.
Comments
Phosphoric acid is an excellent masonry cleaning solution and is available over the counter in most home goods store. Follow the cleaning instructions when using harsh chemicals. Wear safety goggles and rubber gloves to protect your skin against burns. Do not use acids if you are not comfortable with them.
Here are a couple of links for cleaning masonry.
http://www.ezfix101.com/2012/06/how-to-clean-mason...
Removing paint from a concrete driveway can be done with paint strippers. The only drawback to paint strippers is that they are highly toxic and must be used with safety gear. Paint strippers are ideal for paint removal because, unlike concrete grinders, they will not mar the surface of the concrete. Once the driveway is stripped of its former paint, it is ready to be redecorated with a brand new coat of paint, free of cracks and fading
1. Wear goggles, mask, gloves, and protective clothing before working with chemical paint strippers, as they are highly toxic.
2. Protect surrounding grass or plants by blocking off the area with a plastic tarp. Make sure to also block off the driveway, preventing pets or kids from entering since the area will be relatively toxic. The entire process will take up to 24 hours.
3. Sweep and then hose off the driveway to remove dirt, grease and debris. Let the water dry.
4. Select a paint stripper compatible with the type of paint on the driveway. Turpentine and mineral spirits work on most paints, but some paints require a special stripper.
5. Apply the paint stripper over the driveway using a long-handled paint roller.
6. Let the stripper set on the concrete for a set time according to the manufacturer's directions.
7. Scrape off the paint with a long-handled paint scraper. The paint should come off. If not, either let the stripper set for longer or apply more.
8. Shovel the loose paint debris into a plastic trash bag. Pack in all the loose paint and tie the trash bag tightly and discard.
9. Wash the concrete surface with a high-pressure hose. The stripper should have rendered the lead in the paint relatively harmless.
Easy and siple... buy paint thinner lol and wash it off with that
just use a presser washer buy or rent one form home depot