Coincidentally, one of my post popular posts on Vintage Revivals is how to paint concrete. I guess it’s about time we talk about how to remove paint from concrete!
This info will work whether you are trying to remove spray paint, floor paint, wall paint, carpet glue, really anything!!
Removing Paint from Concrete
The first thing that needs to happen before you can start anything significant with your tile flooring is the removal of old permanent layers. Things like paint, adhesives, oils, etc. will significantly cripple your tile job. While the thinset might have no problem sticking to the paint, the layer of paint may come loose from the concrete and womp womp, goodbye thinset strength.
Our floors had 8 (eight!!) layers of paint on them. Because we didnt know what the layers consisted of, or how old they were (lead paint I’m looking at you!) We opted to use a chemical stripper vs. sanding it off. The stripper we used is Klean Strip Premium from Home Depot. You can get it in the paint section!
To Remove Paint from Concrete You’ll Need:
- Stripper
- Floor Scraper
- Chemical Resistant Gloves
- Old Shoes
- Mask
- Paint Roller and Pole
Start by gearing up. You will want to wear old shoes that you don’t care about, and gloves if you’re going to be handling the stripped paint. This stripper is no joke, it burns if you get it on your skin.
Step 1: Pour and Roll the Stripper
Pour the stripper onto the ground and roll it out with a paint roller. The layer should be thick. If it’s too thin you’ll have to go back with a second layer.
Step 2: Let the stripper sit on the paint for 20-25 minutes.
As it activates and loosens the paint, you will see it start to bubble and release itself from the concrete. If you’re lucky like we were, you might even discover hidden dinosaur tracks underneath a few of the layers…
Step 3: Scrape
Use your floor scraper to scrape off the bubbled up paint. We found that it was best to scrape it all into a large pile and then shovel it into old boxes.
Step 4: Reapply
Reapply stripper if you’ve still got paint on the concrete.
Step 5: Wipe Down
Once you’ve scraped all of the paint off of the concrete floors, use a bucket of soapy water and a large push broom to sweep up any remaining chunks of paint and to get the stripper residue off of the concrete. Let the concrete dry for 24-48 hours before moving on to the next step of prep, or tile.
The next step in our tile setting journey was leveling the concrete, you can read all about it here!
This may work but don’t plan on installing a new glue down floor over concrete that had a chemical stripper applied. Doing so will leave you without a warranty from most every flooring manufacturer. The reason is the chemical which is applied will penetrate the concrete and when the new flooring is installed it can return to the surface to attack the new adhesive breaking it down the same as the old you just took removed. If you plan on installing a new floor you better do your homework or you may end up with a failed new floor without any type of kind of warranty
Oh this is awesome and right on time. I know a friend who just purchased a loft and was wondering about this! Will definitely share!
thanks for this! I have been trying to figure out the best way to remove paint from my concrete patio! Seems like this would do the trick!