How to Remove Spray Paint from Concrete

Remove Spray Paint Using Natural Substances

Materials You Will Need

Stiff bristled broom or brush
Clean 5-gallon bucket
Warm water
Hose to rinse off concrete on the exterior surfaces (a wet mop and mop bucket of clean water if you are working on interior surfaces)
Heavy duty gloves to protect hands

Vinegar

Natural vinegar. It can help to clean away paint, it can be safe on your vegetation, it is not harmful if you breathe in the fumes. It can cause some skin irritation for people with very sensitive skin but otherwise, it is not harmful if it makes contact with your skin.

Sweep and clean the surface until all dirt and dust are removed.
Mis equal parts white distilled vinegar and warm water in a bucket
Put on disposable gloves to protect your hands, you can put on goggles to protect your eyes from possible splashing because vinegar can irritate the eyes and cause a burning sensation and redness if you get it in the eyes.
Dip the scrub brush in the vinegar solution and use circular motions to scrub at the affected area. You should pay close attention to the outer edges of the painted are working at the outer edges the most.
Allow the scrubbed vinegar solution to sit in place for twenty minutes or more to give it time to dissolve and loosen the paint.
Rinse the vinegar solution away.’
Repeat the application, scrubbing, waiting, and rinsing until all of the paint is removed.
Give the area one final rinse or mop up all of the solution and water if you are indoors.

Soap and Water

Soap and water are always the non-toxic alternatives to paint thinners, mineral spirits and chemical formulated dissolving solutions. This method is most effective if you use it when the paint is fresh or when the paint is still moist. If the paint has had several hours to dry the soap and water will likely not be strong enough to wash away the paint because after the paint has had time to totally dry it must be dissolved in order to be removed.

Sweep and clean the surface until all dirt and dust are removed.
Put warm soapy water into a bucket
Wear disposable gloves to protect your hands and eyewear can stop water from being splashed into your eyes.
Use the scrub brush and dip it into the soapy water. Scrub at the paint vigorously working in every direction, in circular motions, and up and down. You want every possible section that the paint is touching to be rubbed thoroughly with the brush.
Use paper towels or disposable rags and blot away the soapy water.
If the paint is stubborn try letting the soapy water sit on the paint for thirty minutes or more
Rinse away the soapy water when it appears that the paint has been loosened or removed.
Repeat the washing and rinsing until you see no further evidence of paint on the surface.
Rinse a final time with clean water.

How to Remove Spray Paint from Concrete Using Chemical Solutions

Most of the time you are going to need a chemical remover to get rid of spray paint on concrete. The majority of the paints have dried in place by the time you discover them, and many paints are oil-based and made to adhere better. If the spray paint was a designated graffiti paint then it will wash away easier and will leave no lasting images on the surface.

Chemical agents can be harsh and if you are using them indoors you are cautioned to provide ample ventilation so the toxic fumes do not make you sick.

Warning: Never mix two or more chemical agents in an attempt to create a stronger or more powerful cleaner. Mixing two or more agents can create a toxic and lethal gas that could leave you unconscious in a matter of moments.

Materials you Will Need for Removing Spray Paint

Stiff bristled broom or brush
Clean 5-gallon bucket
Warm water
Hose to rinse off concrete on the exterior surfaces (a wet mop and mop bucket of clean water if you are working on interior surfaces)
Heavy duty gloves to protect hands
Eye protection
Face mask or shield/respirator
Possible paper towels or disposable rags

Mineral Spirits / Paint Thinners

Mineral spirits are one of the milder paint removers. The mineral spirits are often mixed with oil-based paints to thin the paint so it is easy to apply with a spray gun or similar equipment. It is also used to clean brushes and paint applicators.

If your mineral spirits are more than 6 months old you may need to purchase a new container. After sitting on the shelf these spirits start to lose some of their power.

Warning: All paint thinners and solvents are highly flammable. Never store them close to an open flame source like near a gas water heater. Never leave them within reach of children. Never smoke or use them around an open flame like a grill.

If these chemical agents come into contact with your skin, they can cause redness, irritation, burning, and more serious side effects. Always wear the proper protective clothing and eye protection while using them. Never apply these chemicals without rubber gloves to protect your hands.

Sweep the area free of dirt and debris
Make sure you have protective eyewear, and clothing and the area is properly ventilated. If you are outdoors use drop cloths to protect plants and vegetation from possible runoff and contamination.
Apply the paint thinner, mineral spirits, paint stripper, or solvent agent according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Allow the product to stay in place for the proper length of time according to the manufacturer’s directions. This is usually between fifteen and thirty minutes.
Wipe the area using a disposable rag.
The paint may smear when you are using this method.
Repeat this process until the paint is removed.
Rinse the area with warm soapy water, and then again with clean water.

Graffiti Remover

These substances are formulated specifically for removing graffiti from concrete, brick, masonry, metal, and other surfaces. They come in liquids, trigger spray bottles, aerosol-type cans, pastes, and even wipes coated in the cleaner. Each product will have specific usage instructions that you must follow completely if you want to be successful at removing the paint.

Warning: some of these substances contain harsh chemicals that can cause rashes, skin irritation, redness, swelling, difficulty breathing, nausea, and dizziness. Always wear protective clothing, eyewear, and face protectors while using these products.

Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to absorb any possible runoff from these products when you are rinsing the concrete. The runoff from these products can kill plant life, grass, and can contaminate water sources, and are possibly deadly to fish and other wildlife forms.

Prepare the area by sweeping away all dust, dirt, and debris.
Put your protective eyewear, gloves, and mask on. Make certain you are wearing long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. This substance should never make skin contact.
Apply the graffiti remover to the painted area. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions to the letter, and you likely need to let the remover stay on the painted area for periods of 15 minutes or more before you begin to scrub.
Scrub the area using the brush. Circular movements may help you to get the particulates to turn loose quicker.
Blot the area dry using paper towels or disposable rags.
Repeat the remover application, waiting, and scrubbing until you see no further evidence of paint on the surface.
Rinse the area using clean water. If you are outside, you can use your garden hose.

Acetone

Acetone is a powerful paint remover. You should NEVER apply acetone to asphalt surfaces or concrete surfaces. It damages these surface materials. NEVER try to remove paint from concrete using an acetone-based cleaner.

Trisodium Phosphate

This is a very effective paint removing agent. It is low cost and very easy to get. You can even order it online from Amazon and other retail outlets.

Warning: TSP is toxic and you must be extremely careful when using this substance. You have to wear protective clothing and face, eye, and breathing protection. If this substance gets on your skin, it can be irritating or it can cause you to need emergency treatment.

Prepare the area by sweeping away all dust, dirt, and debris.
Put your protective eyewear, gloves, and mask on. Make certain you are wearing long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. This substance should never make skin contact.
Dilute the TSP in warm water according to the instructions from the manufacturer
Place a bucket of clean warm water close at hand
Dip your scrubbing brush in the TSP solution and scrub it into the area where the paint is located
Allow the mixture to stay in place for about 20 minutes
Scrub the area where the paint is so you can remove any loose particles of paint
Rinse the area thoroughly with warm water, then with a hose or the wet mop.
Repeat steps 5 – 8 until all of the paint has been removed.
Use the hose or mop one final time to completely clean away any particulates of paint left.

How to Remove Spray Paint from Concrete Using a Pressure Washer

A pressure washer may take all of the work out of removing paint from concrete. This can be an expensive method if you have to buy the equipment, plus pay the water bill after you are through. Still, it is an effective method of doing larger areas in a shorter amount of time.

What you need

Pressure washer (about a 2,00 to 3,000 PSI unit)
Access to water
Drop cloths or protective cloths for tender vegetation near where you are working
Goggles to keep water out of your eyes

Warning: The water emitted from these devices is forceful and can cause damage to human skin or to animals. NEVER point a pressure washer wand at a human being or a living creature.

Put on your protective goggles and gloves if you choose to wear them
Rubber boots will help to keep your feet dry during the process
Choose the nozzle you prefer and affix it to your pressure washer
Position yourself about ten feet from the area you want to remove the paint.
Turn the washer equipment on.
Point the wand at the pained surface and keep it moving in a slow and steady back and forth motion across the painted surface.
Continue to sweep the wand across the area until the paint begins to be removed. Pay close attention to the edges as the paint will likely start to turn loose at the edges first, and then you can direct the spray at the edge to keep it coming up.

Pro Tips for Paint Removing from Concrete

Pressure washing is effective but it is not fast. You have to take your time, be patient, and do not give up.
Never use a gas-powered pressure washer inside. The fumes can be deadly.
When using a pressure washer never attempt it on a windy day. The wind will redirect the spray and reduce the pressure
When using chemical solvents find out how to properly dispose of the containers and left-over material
Spray foam cans of solvents and graffiti removers are easier to use because you can apply the cleaner in the exact position without a lot of run off. It stays in place well.
Gel paint strippers are thick and can be applied with a plastic scraper to the painted surface.
The longer you wait the harder the paint is to remove.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of times when we have an “oops” moment and get spray paint on concrete or other surfaces when we did not intend to. Take a deep breath and realize that mistakes happen. You can remove the paint. It will take some time, but you can do it.