If you’ve recently completed a spray paint job on something, you have probably experienced how messy the stuff can be.
Even if you took all the necessary precautions, such as covering on surfaces, chances are some spray paint has spread to parts you wish it hadn’t.
If you have found spray paint on a concrete surface around your home or business, then there is no need to despair!
With the right supplies and know-how, you can remove the paint easily in most cases.
You may have tried power washing or scrubbing it away but that doesn't always work. Scratching your head about what to do next? We’re here to help!
In today’s post, I am going to guide you through the steps to rid your concrete of that pesky paint spray once and for all. And remember to save this guide if you ever need to remove spray paint from concrete in the future.
Protect Concrete When Removing Spray Paint
Before you start tackling the spray paint, you must be careful and take steps not to damage the concrete. Some paint remover solutions can stain concrete and even eat away at it if left on for too long.
Therefore, When using any kind of paint thinner or graffiti remover, ensure you rinse it off with hot water immediately. If you let it sit for a few minutes, the concrete may get damaged.
This is particularly true of any type of toxic chemical component, nail polish remover, or lacquer thinner that works at dissolving the paint.
Also, you need to make sure you’re safe too. If you come into direct contact with these solutions, you must wear the necessary protective gear, such as safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator mask.
In some cases, however, a baking soda solution may be enough to remove a light paint stain. Or, a simple wash with a pressure washer may be worth a shot before you move on to harsh chemicals.
When you’re prepared, it’s time to take a look at our top methods for removing paint spray from concrete.
Removing Spray Paint From Concrete - How to Guide
Method One - Soap and Water
Before you head to the store and spend money on supplies, you can try removing the spray paint with household items.
I always recommend starting with this method as it may do the job first time and it is the most economical way of removing paint from concrete.
Supplies needed:
- Warm water
- Stuff bristled scrub brush
- Two one-gallon buckets
- A mild dish soap
- A garden hose (if outside)
- Paper towels (absorbent, heavy duty)
- A mop and bucket
- Protective gear
- Start by wiping or sweeping the affected surface to remove any debris and out of your protective equipment.
- Add warm water into one of your buckets.
- Also, add warm water to your other bucket but with the addition of a few squirts of dish soap.
- Now, pour some of the suds-free water onto the affected area.
- Place your brush into the bucket containing the dish soap and then brush the spray-painted area on the concrete using circular motions.
- Next, using a paper towel, blot the spray to soak up any of the loosened spray paint.
- Rinse clean with clean, warm water or a garden hose if you’re doing it outside.
If some paint remains, repeat this process and make sure you mop thoroughly afterward if cleaning indoors.
Method Two - Graffiti Remover
If simple soap and water didn't do the trick, you may need to bring out the big guns in the form of graffiti remover. This will penetrate the spray paint and loosen its grip on the concrete until it comes off.
Supplies needed:
- Graffiti remover
- A one gallon bucket
- Warm water
- Stiff bristled scrub brush
- A garden hose (if outside)
- A mop and bucket (if outside)
- Paper towels (absorbent and heavy duty)
- Like the last method, begin by brushing or sweeping away any excess debris or dirt and prepare yourself with protective gear.
- Add warm water to your bucket.
- Now, apply your graffiti remover but ensure you read the products’ instructions carefully. Sometimes, it may need to sit for a few minutes.
- Using circular movements, brush the paint on the concrete surface.
- Wipe or blot the affected surface with a paper towel or cloth.
- Finally, rinse with warm, clean water or a hose.
Again, repeat this process if any excess paint remains and mop thoroughly if indoors.
Method Three - Paint Stripper or Thinner
Paint thinners or paint strippers are excellent for breaking down or thinning paint on many types of surfaces, such as concrete.
Because paint thinner is a solvent, it will dissolve substances like paint easily. Paint stripper, however, is designed differently but also works well at removing paint.
It is typically non-caustic so it will not burn your skin and comes in the form of gels or solvent-based chemical formulations.
Supplied needed:
- A paint stripper or thinner
- Protective gear
- A clean, disposable cloth
- Start by sweeping or brushing the affected area to remove any excess debris.
- Put on your protective clothing and gear.
- Paint strippers can be quite toxic so make sure the area you’re working in is well ventilated.
- Apply the paint stripper or thinner to the spray paint, making sure you are following the instructions on the product’s label.
- After you have applied the stripper or thinner, wipe it clean with a cloth.
- Apply and wipe the affected area until all the paint has been removed and then use a clean cloth to wipe away.
In Summary
There are multiple ways of removing spray paint from concrete. Above are just three of our favorite and most proven methods, but you can also try using an angle grinder, a sandblaster, or a power washer.
If the stain is exceptionally stubborn, you may need to hire a professional.
Thanks for reading.