Q&A for How to Remove Paint from Concrete

You might be able to get the paint off by spraying the spot with a pressure washer.

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.

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.

This would be a difficult task to get gravel clean. You can try and soak them in some acetone for a night. You may just have to shovel out the paint-covered gravel and add some new gravel.

It depends on your floor covering you have. With tile floor, you can use a razor blade scraper tool to remove the paint. If its a wood floor, you'll want to use a little Goof Off solution and a scrub pad.

It is suggested you follow the steps in this article if your driveway is concrete; in general, it helps if you can use paint stripper relevant to the paint type spilled. If your driveway is made from different materials, do a search for “paint removal” + the material of your driveway, to be sure you choose the best method for cleaning it up, although paint stripper will probably still be useful unless it would damage the driveway material. In general, try to remove paint stains from a driveway as quickly as possible, preferably after the paint spills, as it will be easier before it dries and to proceed from using the easiest method first, then proceed to stronger methods if needed.

A pressure washer is a useful tool for removing paint from concrete. Note that poured concrete is likely to better withstand high-pressure cleaning treatments than covered concrete. It’s often useful to do pressure washing as the last part of cleaning the concrete, after you’ve tried scrubbing off the paint. If you’re not sure how to use a pressure washer on concrete, check out: How to Pressure Wash Concrete .

Assess what type of concrete you have first, as this affects how you’ll clean it; poured concrete can withstand high-pressure cleaning treatments better than covered concrete can. Try hand scraping and wire brushing off flaking paint on delicate surfaces or sand/water blasting for concrete that can handle higher pressure cleaning. Chemical cleaning (paint stripper) may be useful for older stains covering small areas. For more details on removing concrete porch paint, see How to Remove Paint from a Concrete Porch .

React quickly while the paint is still wet, using an old rag to mop up as much of the spilled paint as possible, taking care not to spread paint. Using either hand sanitizer or a soap cleaning solution made from 2 tablespoons dishwashing detergent and 1 gallon warm water, scrub with a wire or heavy-duty brush, to lift up the paint. People have also used paint thinner or denatured alcohol to remove acrylic paint, usually by soaking a rag in these substances and letting it sit for about 30 minutes to soften the paint, then use a paint scraper to scrape it away.

Use paint stripper (more layers of paint means more applications of stripper), a power washer, and a heat gun (for tight spots and corners).

All oil must be washed away as best as possible. Gasoline can be used to help clean oil stains as it dilutes the oil but can only be used in well-ventilated areas. Go to an auto supply shop for suggestions of other commercial products for cleaning up oil. You can leave any paint stains. When repainting, use a quality paint designed for use on concrete. You will regret going cheap on paint and supplies so spend what is required.

Remove all fabric pieces and use paint thinner on it. If the furniture is plastic, however, paint thinner will destroy it. Buy new furniture or paint over top of it.

The best way would be to paint over it with a new color. Not knowing what material the house is it's difficult to suggest anything else. If it is brick or stone you might be able to have it sandblasted down to the original material. If it's stucco you might have to have all the stucco redone in order to remove the paint. Wood would likely need large amounts of a gentle paint stripper or else be redone entirely with a fresh wood facade.

Assuming that paint is adhering the can to a concrete slab, it should be easy. If a metal scraper will not separate the can from the slab, you can pour acetone around the base of the can, wait for 15 minutes and try scraping again. Repeat the process if necessary. Only use in well-ventilated areas.

Yes, it have to heated first. Apply to floor, remove paint. Remember always scrape loose paint clean floor. Use primer, then paint.