Tools and Materials
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Removing Paint From Concrete
The porous structure of concrete can make paint spills difficult to remove completely. Cleaning up spills as soon as possible is the best way to remove paint from concrete, but there are also methods for cleaning up dried paint. Use these tips as a general guide but always follow the instructions for the products and tools you use. If the methods below aren’t effective for your project or don’t remove the paint fully, contact a professional painter.
Protect Yourself When Removing Paint From Concrete
Follow all instructions and safety precautions for the chemicals or tools you use. In general:
- Use protective gear as specified by the instructions, including eye protection and chemical-resistant gloves.
- Keep children and pets away.
- Make sure you have good ventilation when using chemicals and wear the manufacturer-specified respirator.
- If the paint predates 1978, it might contain lead, so if you’re unsure, use a test kit and consult a professional, your local health department or the Environmental Protection Agency before scrubbing or scraping.
- Follow product instructions and local waste collection guidelines when disposing of paint residue, used cleaning cloths and other debris.
Some paint strippers and removers are known to be hazardous. Read the label carefully before use and follow all precautions and instructions as outlined.
VOC emissions standards prohibit sales of some household consumer products, including some paint stripper and remover formulations, in select States and jurisdictions. Check your local and state laws before buying or using any paint stripper or remover for your project. Lowe’s offers compliant VOC paint strippers and remover formulations in most regulated jurisdictions.
How to Remove Fresh Paint From Concrete
Clean up paint spills as quickly as possible:
- Scoop up wet paint with a paint scraper.
- Blot — don’t wipe — the area with a cleaning cloth.
- Scrub the spill with a stiff-bristle brush and a solution suitable for your paint type and then rinse.
Cleaning Solutions for Paint Types:
- Latex Paint: Use a solution of warm, soapy water.
- Acrylic Paint: Use warm, soapy water, dry and follow up with acetone if necessary.
- Oil-Based Paint: Use a paint thinner recommended by the paint manufacturer.
Like paint strippers and removers, some paint thinners are known to be hazardous. Read the label carefully before use and follow all precautions and instructions as outlined.
VOC emissions standards prohibit sales of some household consumer products, including some paint thinner formulations, in select States and jurisdictions. Check your local and state laws before buying or using any paint thinner for your project. Lowe’s offers VOC compliant paint thinner formulations in most regulated jurisdictions.
Get details on paint removal chemicals with our guide to paint strippers, removers and thinners.
How to Remove Dried Paint From Concrete
If the paint has dried on the concrete, these three common methods can help you clean up the spills.
Method 1: Use a Chemical Paint Stripper or Remover
Paint strippers and removers for concrete are available in several types, including liquids, gels and sprays.
Best For:
- Old spills
- Thick or built-up dried paint
- Larger spills on outdoor surfaces
How to Use a Paint Stripper or Paint Remover on Concrete:
- Read all product instructions and cautions and make sure it’s suitable for concrete.
- Put on the specified safety gear.
- Test the chemical on an inconspicuous area.
- Sweep away dirt and debris.
- Apply the removal product according to the instructions and allow it to work for the specified time.
- Scrub the paint with a wire brush or scrape with a paint scraper.
- Work in small sections to reduce the accumulation of fumes.
- Wipe up and rinse or neutralize the chemical according to the instructions.
- Repeat the cleaning steps if necessary.
Work in small sections to reduce the accumulation of fumes.
Look for low-odor paint strippers and removers.
Method 2: Remove Paint From Concrete With a Pressure Washer
A heavy-duty pressure washer that can deliver 3,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure or more can help remove paint from outdoor concrete in some situations.
Best For:
- Driveways, sidewalks, slabs and patios
- Paint that’s bubbling, cracking or flaking
- Thin spots of paint.
How to Use a Pressure Washer to Remove Paint From Concrete:
- Put on the specified safety gear.
- Test the spray tips on an inconspicuous area to ensure they won’t damage the concrete.
- Install a 25-degree spray tip and then start the pressure washer.
- Spray the concrete at a 45-degree angle, keeping the spray tip 12 to 18 inches from the surface.
- Keep the spray moving in a smooth, even pattern.
- If the spray doesn’t remove the paint, stop the machine and repeat the steps with a 15-degree tip.
Follow up paint removal with a concrete cleaner for use in a pressure washer or scrub with a degreaser/cleaner designed for concrete.
Method 3: Remove Latex Paint From Concrete With a Wire Brush
In some cases, you can remove dried latex paint from concrete with a wire brush and soapy water.
Best For:
- Small spills or drips of paint
- Indoor or outdoor cleanup
How to Use a Wire Brush to Remove Paint From Concrete:
- Mix a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.
- Put on safety goggles.
- Apply the soap solution and let it soak into the paint for five to 10 minutes.
- Scrub the paint with the wire brush and rinse.
- Repeat the steps as necessary.
Tips for Common Paint Cleanup Jobs on Concrete
Use these quick tips to handle common paint problems but follow all manufacturers’ instructions and wear the specified safety gear, such as safety goggles, a suitable respirator and chemical-resistant gloves.
Removing Spray Paint From Concrete
- Use a paint stripper or remover suitable for concrete, then scrub with a wire brush and rinse or neutralize according to the product instructions.
- For small areas of latex paint, try a wire brush and warm, soapy water.
Some paint removers are designed to help clean up graffiti.
Removing Dried Paint Spills From a Concrete Garage Floor
- Use a concrete-safe paint stripper or remover to soften the paint, then scrub with a wire brush.
- Rinse or neutralize according to the product instructions.
Removing Dried Paint From a Concrete Driveway
- For thin, loose or peeling paint, use a pressure washer with a 25-degree or 15-degree spray tip.
- For paint that’s fully bonded, use a paint stripper or remover formulated for concrete, scrub the paint with a wire brush and rinse or neutralize according to the product instructions.
Test the pressure washer to ensure it won’t damage the concrete.
Mistakes to Avoid When Removing Paint From Concrete
- Neglecting Safety: Wear all safety gear specified in the product or equipment instructions. If you use a chemical stripper or remover, ensure you have good ventilation and use the specified respirator.
- Waiting Too Long: Wet paint is easier to clean up than fully cured paint.
- Using the Wrong Product: Standard, all-purpose cleaners typically won’t remove paint effectively. Use a product formulated to remove paint from concrete.
- Using a Pressure Washer Incorrectly: A pressure washer is most effective on paint that’s thin, loose or peeling. High-pressure spray can damage some concrete, so test it on an inconspicuous area.
Protect concrete from future spills by putting down drop cloths or masking paper before your next paint job.
Match Your Paint-Removal Tools and Materials to Your Job
The right tools and materials make any cleanup job easier. Shop Lowes.com for everything you need to get paint off your concrete and protect it for the future. If you’re not sure what you need, talk to a Red Vest associate at your local Lowe’s. They’ll help you find the right supplies for any cleanup job.