How Do You Remove Paint Spots / Drips From Concrete?

Paint spots or drips will occur from time to time when painting outside, some of which end up on the concrete driveway or pavers. Unless that’s special concrete paint, it’s best to get rid of them. There are certain steps you can take to easily remove paint from concrete which are outlined below.

Concrete is porous, meaning it readily absorbs paint so given this ease of penetration, removing paint from concrete is not easy, but definitely possible. It would’ve been easier if the concrete sealer was applied before the surface was painted, but sometimes the paint might have stained the concrete therefore may leave some colour behind after the removal process. It also depends on the size of the area where you have to remove the paint from concrete. Here are a couple ways to remove paint from concrete so choose one that you think will work best for you.

Removing Water-Based Paint from Concrete

1. When you set out to remove paint from concrete, the first thing to do is clean the surface of the concrete thoroughly, sweep or wipe off the concrete, removing as much loose dust, dirt, and debris as possible.
2. Using a solution of methylated spirts, pour directly onto the paint spots and proceed to work it into the concrete by means of a long-handled brush. Metho works as a solvent to dissolve water-based paint, remember to work quickly as the metho will dry rapidly once its poured onto the concrete.
3. Rinse the area thoroughly afterwards with water, allowing one to three hours for the surface to dry. Sometimes the paint might have stained the concrete therefore may leave some colour behind after the removal process, if this happens you can use a pressure washer to blast the surface and remove the bleached/stained area.
4. If these products don’t work the next step is to look into a stronger removing chemical like a multi-purpose thinner.

Removing Oil-Based Paint from Concrete

1. Oil-based paint can be harder to remove requiring a little more elbow grease. After sweeping the area clean, try to chip away and loosen the paint by using a paint scraper or brush.
2. After removing as paint as you can with the paint scraper, use turps and pour directly onto the remaining paint residue, remembering to use gloves, then vigorously scrub the turps into the affected area using circular motions to dissolve and lift any residual paint from the concrete.
3. Follow the above steps by rinsing the area with water, then if necessary use a pressure washer is finish the job.

If you have found a significant amount of paint spilled (about a full can’s worth) and left to dry and harden, then you’re probably best to visit your nearest Inspirations Paint store to discuss your options. Depending on the area (is it inside or outside), if the concrete has previously been sealed with a protective coating, you may be able to use a high grade chemical paint stripper. Most paint stripper will need to be apply to the affected area and left on for a period of time (normally 30-60mins) for the product to react. The paint stripper can then be washed off with the help of a pressure washer.  

As previously mentioned we recommend you contact your nearest Inspirations Paint store to discuss your project in more detail.