How can I remove Latex paint from a stained concrete floor?

[chachp]

I have stained concrete floors in my house (hate them by the way!!) and had a very messy painter. I have been rearranging things and discovered a number of paint splotches he left hidden on the floors. Some are about 2 years old. I knew there were a few but have discovered more. Does anyone know what I can use to remove this paint and not damage the Poly coating?

I tried "Goof Off" that is supposed to remove dried on paint but it doesn't even seem to make a dent. I am afraid to rub too hard or try anything else because I don't want to damage the floor.

Any suggestions?

 

[gansky1]

Carpet.

;-) Well, it doesn't sound like much else will work to remove them without some sort of damage to the floor. Is there any way to get a bit more of the poly/stain product to touch up where you remove the paint splotches?

 

[sudsmaster]

You could try a number of paint strippers that are available at Home Depot's paint section, and at other home improvement centers.

The strongest contain methylene chloride or similar solvent. I would test an inconspicuous corner of the floor before trying any product on the stains. You may need to restain the floor after removing the paint.

 

[chachp]

Tile over it?

I'll tell you I am so frustrated with this. Thanks for the suggestions. We thought the stained concrete floors would be very cool and I do like the look but the truth is it's like living in a garage if you ask me. We have some area rugs down and that helps but I really wish we had gone with wood. Given what we invested to have these done we could have.

I didn't think about it earlier but I think I'll call the guy who did them and see if I could touch up certain spots if the coating comes off.

Thanks.

 

[toggleswitch]

There are a number of floor products that go over concrete, even wood.

Look for vapor barriers if the concrete gets damp.

 

[petek]

What's that stuff I've seen it in hardware stores, you prime the concrete then roll some stuff on that hardens like stone, made specifically for concrete walks, porches etc. Looks quite nice and comes in lots of colors, can't remember what it's called now. I'd like it down in our garage, one day.

 

[whirlcool]

Does anyone remember those "chip floors" of the 60's?
You'd lay down a layer of adhesive and then pour a bunch of colored chips on the floor, spread them around. Then you would pour on a clear acrylic to seal it all in.
They used to be all the rage, but I haven't seen one in years. We had a pink one at my parents house in the basement.

 

[northwesty]

Keep trying the Goof Off stuff. Wear Gloves and open a window. If it is two years old it will take a while to soften up and come off. You should be able to notice if the floor color is coming up too and stop if you want. Try to keep the solvent mostly on the old paint and not on the floor.

Most any other paint remover is alot hotter than goof off and will really lift it off. So if you are worried about damage you'll have to use elbow grease and this slow method.

 

[danemodsandy]

My Method

I often find latex paint drips and splotches on vintage stuff I buy; I never know how long they've been there, but in some cases, I have to assume it's been a while, because I'll find dirt or kitchen grease over the paint.

On hard surfaces, you'd be amazed what Windex and a little gentle scubbing with a nylon-mesh scrubber will do. I spray on some Windex, let things sit a couple of minutes, then use the scrubber. This works best on Formica, metal, glass, and other durable surfaces. Lemon oil will soften latex on finished wood to the point where it can be scraped off with a fingernail. Brasso will usually get it off plastics (yes, the brass polish).

Polyurethane can usually be touched up undetectably, as long as the surface has not been waxed. Your floor man can confirm this if it's true in this instance.

So, even if you mar the surface, you should be able to repair it satisfactorily.

Hope something here helps!

 

[jamiel]

Another good process is a poultice of GoofOff...saturate paper towels with it, slap them onto the spots then cover the spots with aluminum foil. Let it sit overnight then try again. The concrete stain (color) should not be affected by the Goof Off (stripper) although any finish (gloss) may be. (it's the contrary for using bleach)

J.

 

[bethann]

If it's latex... I would think you could use a straight edge and slowly peel it off. Just a thought.

 

[polkanut]

Re: Post #202964

My sister has that kind of floor in her kitchen and bathroom. My grandparents had it installed in June,1969. The fumes from the acrylic sealer were so toxic that they had to stay with my parents for 3 days. That floor has held up remarkably well, kind of an early version of no-wax flooring.