How to Remove Paint from Concrete

If you've accidentally dripped some paint on your concrete driveway or garage floor, it may seem like it's there for good. While removing paint from concrete can be tough and time-consuming, you can do it with the right products and perseverance. Follow this guide to remove even the stubbornest paint from your patio or garage.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

For Small Spots

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Use a broom or shop vacuum to remove all dirt or debris. If possible, remove any loose paint from concrete with a scraper or brush.^{[1]XResearch source}
The type of stripper you should use depends on the type of paint you are trying to remove, such as water-based or oil-based paint. If in doubt, use a stripper designed for removing oil-based paints.^{[2]XResearch source}
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Check the directions printed on the can by the manufacturer. This could be anywhere from 1 to 8 hours. In some cases, only minutes may be required.
Use a wire scrub brush or a scraper to remove the loosened paint.^{[3]XExpert SourceJeff Baldwin
Residential PainterExpert Interview. 26 February 2021} You could also use a pressure washer for outdoor concrete surfaces such as driveways or patios.
In some cases, a second or third application of paint stripper is needed to thoroughly remove paint from concrete.
Use a power or pressure washer to remove all traces of the paint stripper.^{[4]XExpert SourceJeff Baldwin
Residential PainterExpert Interview. 26 February 2021}^{[5]XResearch source} If you have removed paint drops or drips, cleaning the concrete can avoid leaving clean spots on the surface.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

For Tougher Spots

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1
Make an absorbent paint stripper. Assemble your materials. You will need paint stripper. If you are working in a well-ventilated area (outside or in an open, separate garage), you can use a stripper with methylene chloride. This will make the process much faster. You will need a respirator if working with this kind of paint stripper.^{[6]XResearch source}
- You will also need absorbent material. Finely ground clay is most effective. If you don’t have access, you can crush up cat litter into a powder.
- To finish the cleanup job, you will need a stiff brush and scouring powder.
Create a paste with your clay or cat litter. Depending on how thick the stripper is, you may not need to add much material. The absorbent material will help draw the paint off of the concrete, making it easier to scrape off.
3
Spread the mixture. Apply a layer of the absorbent paint stripper mixture to the paint spot on the concrete. Allow time for the stripper to work. Depending on the chemicals that you are using, this could take anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours.
- Add more paint thinner to the applied mixture during the process to keep the ingredients active.
The paint thinner should have done most of the work for you, allowing you to remove most of the paint by simply scraping the mixture off with a hard plastic scraper. Add a second layer of mixture if there is remaining paint, and repeat the process.
Use the stiff brush, scouring powder, and water to scrub at the stripped surface, removing any excess paint particles. Rinse away the scouring mixture and keep scrubbing with the brush to finish the job.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

For Large Areas

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Determine if a blaster is right for your needs. If your paint covers a large area, then a blaster may be a better choice over a paint stripper solution. One form of blasting is soda blasting, which uses baking soda as the scouring agents. Soda blasting is also much more environmentally-friendly than using chemicals, and will not damage the concrete underneath.^{[7]XResearch source}
2
Obtain a blasting unit. To soda blast, you will need a pot blaster. Your local hardware store may be able to rent them to you. You will also need special sodium bicarbonate. The baking powder that you buy at the grocery store is too fine to use in a soda blaster. The proper powder should be available where you rent the blaster, but can also be ordered online.
- Most standard sand blasters cannot work with soda. You will need to obtain a specialized soda blaster in order to use sodium bicarbonate.
3
Blast the painted area. Work slowly, holding the nozzle about a foot and a half away from the ground. Be sure to wear a respirator to avoid inhaling particles. Move the nozzle evenly across the painted area to make sure that no paint gets left behind.
- If blasting near vegetation, be sure to avoid getting excess particles on plants. The high pH soda can cause browning and death in flowers and bushes.
- If you have a lot of paint to remove, consider hiring a professional blaster. The amount of blasting material needed and the size of the blasting unit will most likely be far too much to afford on your own.

Expert Q&A

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Question
How do I remove paint from concrete without chemicals?
Jeff Baldwin
Residential Painter
Jeff Baldwin is a Residential Painter and the Owner of Baldwin Custom Painting, based in San Francisco, CA. With two decades of painting experience, Jeff specializes in high-end residential and small commercial painting projects. Dedicated to quality craftsmanship, Jeff and Baldwin Custom Painting provide bonded/insured, licensed, and lead-safe certified services in residential painting, light commercial painting, and wood refinishing.
Jeff Baldwin
Residential Painter
Expert Answer
You might be able to get the paint off by spraying the spot with a pressure washer.
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Question
Does all paint need to be removed before repainting?
Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Expert Answer
No. If you're unsure if it will cover, you can make by sanding it a little and then applying a primer or sealer. Generally if the existing paint is holding up well, you can paint right over it.
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How do I remove a wood stain spot from concrete?
Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Mark Spelman is a General Contractor based in Austin, Texas. With over 30 years of construction experience, Mark specializes in constructing interiors, project management, and project estimation. He has been a construction professional since 1987.
Mark Spelman
Construction Professional
Expert Answer
You may be able to use some lacquer thinner and scrub it off. You can rent a pressure washer, which generally has good results, or maybe try and sand it out.
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Tips

Some strippers can lighten the treated area of concrete. Test a small area and proceed if you are satisfied with the results.
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It is recommended to apply paint remover or stripper to concrete surfaces that are not warmer than room temperature.
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If all else fails, buy a desired colour paint suitable for concrete surfaces and paint the entire area.
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Warnings

Take extra precaution if using acid or acetone-based strippers. Wear protective clothing and wash clothes immediately after using the stripper.
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Use stripper in a well-ventilated area. If you're working on a garage or basement floor, make sure windows are open. Some strippers may specifically be recommended only for outdoor use.
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Products containing methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) are highly flammable, emit fumes and are toxic.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}
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