clean a slab...best way

bones1 · Oct 17, 2006

Anyone ever had to clean years of paint off a concrete slab? If so, how did you do it.I tried a pressure washer 2200psi and it barely phased it.Chemicals would be very messy also.Any thoughts will be much appreciated.

jjcc246 · Oct 17, 2006

I'm sure a rental would have a floor sander with a special disc for concrete floors that would take it down in a hurry. I know that if you use a diamond disc it will cut into the concrete so you would have to careful. But a floor sander will work for you.

RobJ · Oct 17, 2006

jjcc246 said:
I'm sure a rental would have a floor sander with a special disc for concrete floors that would take it down in a hurry. I know that if you use a diamond disc it will cut into the concrete so you would have to careful. But a floor sander will work for you.

These work sweet, makes a huge mess. Seal afterwards.

AlanB · Oct 18, 2006

Commercially they sand or shot blast them.

scott_vt · Oct 18, 2006

Mornin Bones,
When I first saw your thread title I was ready to jump in and suggest muriatic acid, which works quite well for removing all kinds of stuff from the concrete surface. Then I read a bit more to see its a painted floor

I think the advice on the sander with the proper pads woud work well. Ill bet the ORANGE store would have just what you need in their renatl department.

schmism · Oct 18, 2006

pressure washer.... 2200 psi is just getting started.... try a real pressure washer (comercial type) 5000 psi with a 5 deg tip. not only will you take the paint off but the top layer of concreet also. (warning you can very effectivly bore holes in concreet with the 0deg tip... )

bones1 · Oct 18, 2006

Thanks guys, the rental sander sounds like the way to go.Didn't know they had pads for concrete finishing. Thanks again.

jjcc246 · Oct 19, 2006

I was watching the DIY network today and on the show, Rock Solid, they stripped the paint off of a concrete porch. They used a grinder with a diamond wheel. Here's the link. Hope it helps. Copy and paste.

HOME BUILDING : Patios, Decks & Outside Structures : Front Porch Facelift: Stamped Concrete : DIY Network