Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Paint removal from concrete

I'm a new member to this site, and I need some help.

A few years ago I painted my front porch patio. It's made of concrete. I primed the concrete with Kilz. Then I painted it when some gray "garage floor" paint mixed with some grit to make it an anti-slip surface.

It worked great. But, over time, some of the paint has started to come up where it has gotten wet over the years.

I decided to just strip the paint off the concrete completely and go back to just the original concrete surface.

Here's the problem: I can't find a paint stripper that will remove the paint.

I've tried regular paint stripper for masonry and wood. I've tried finger nail polish remover. I've tried straight Acetone. I've tried some stuff made for removing graffiti. I've even tried a 3000 psi power washer.

I've left the paint stripper on for the required 30 minutes, and even tried to remove it with a wire brush.

I don't know what that garage floor paint is made of, but I think it is made from Kryptonite dust.

It seems that if the concrete is exposed to water long enough, like in the areas that are the most exposed to the elements, then it will release the paint. Eventually.

But, commercial paint stripper, and everything else I've tried, won't even phase it.

This is just one of my Spring/Summer projects on my To Do list.

Any ideas on how to strip the paint back to the original concrete?

Thanks,
Ron

Google a product from Franmar called Soy Gel. It will even strip epoxys, which are a real bear. The reason I mention it is that maybe you have an epoxy garage floor paint. Good luck.

Forget the stripper for now. Rent a 3,000 PSI pressure washer with a 00 tip (red) Blow that paint right off of there.

Pulpo,

I tried a 3000 PSI power washer and it didn't do anything to the paint. It did, however, make my driveway squeaky clean.


Pecos,

Thanks. I will try that.


Ron

Did you use a red tip? Many rental places don't give a red tip unless it's requested because the average person might do damage with it. It's needed to remove paint.

I don't remember what color the nozzle tip was. I want to say that it was red, but I really can't remember.

It did blast away some of the paint that was already peeling due to its exposure to the elements over the years.

But, it did nothing to the area of the patio that is protected by the porch overhang.

I've had to leave paint stripper on for a half a day some times longer to get it to come off brick and concrete, even with 3000psi. Some times it takes several applications over a day or two. Try leaving the stripper on longer than a half hour.

A red tip sends a solid stream of water out of the nozzle. If you had any spray at all, it was not a red tip.

Smitty,

I did that as well. I guess the paint stripper I bought was for regular paint and not the epoxy stuff I used on the porch.


Pulpo,

I guess it wasn't a red tipped nozzle then. I didn't have a wide spray. It was narrow and blasted years of mold and grime from my driveway. But, it was a spray and not a direct solid stream of water.


I've been researching some epoxy paint stripper online. I have narrowed it down to two products. I have contacted the manufacturer's and told them what the issue is. I'm just waiting to hear back to see if their products will do the job.

Thanks.

I would apply whatever product you finally decide to by, then use the pressure washer again with a red tip.