It is important to clean concrete before you apply any type of flooring material to it. This will not only ensure that the new material remains completely level over the entire concrete pad but it will also help to ensure a proper bonding process between whatever you use. If this is the situation, you may have to clean a concrete stain or clean paint off the concrete. Removing paint from the concrete can be done.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Scrub brush
• Soap water
• Rubbing stone
• Power washer
• Sand blaster
• Chemical paint remover
• Paint scraper

Step 1: Prepare the Concrete

You will want to clean the floor thoroughly before you begin the process of removing paint. This will help to ensure that nothing on the floor can cause problems with any paint removal chemicals you may use. Use soap and water and a scrub brush to scrub any stains or locations where there may be oil.

Step 2: Use a Pressure Washer

Using a pressure washer is a good first step to removing paint. Pressure washers often have enough power to remove paint. This is especially true if a sealant was used on the concrete prior to applying the paint. You will need a pressure washer capable of putting out 3000 psi.

Step 3: Use a Sandblaster

If a pressure washer does not work you can attempt using a sand blaster. Be careful when using a sandblaster because they can damage concrete. You must also protect yourself because they can cause injuries if not properly handled. Wear long pants and a long-sleeve shirt along with a face mask and protective goggles. This will keep the sand from hitting your body or your eyes.

Step 4: Use a Chemical Removal

There are a number of chemicals available on the market which are designed specifically for the purpose of removing paint from concrete. The biggest factor which will control how well this method will work is if the paint has sunken into the concrete. If it has not, this method will work quite well. Follow the directions on the bottle on how much to use and how to use it. Also verify that the room you are working in has plenty of ventilation. Apply the chemical to the areas with paint and allow them to sit for a while and then clean it up with a mop.

Step 5: Rubbing Stones

Using rubbing stones is an option for more ingrained paint if it is in a relatively small area. Wear gloves whenever you are using a rubbing stone to protect your skin. Use the rubbing stone in a circular motion until the paint begins to come up from the concrete. Make sure you keep a firm pressure on the rubbing stone during use.

Step 6: Paint Thinner and Scraper

If you are in a well-ventilated area, you can use paint thinner and a scrapper. Pour the paint thinner on the areas which contain paint and allow it to sit for around 1 hour. Use a scrapper to scrape the paint up.