Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

December, 2003

Repainting a Concrete Floor

Q. I have a concrete basement floor that was previously painted with latex and it has lifted and come off in areas due to a water leak. I would like to clean up and apply a proper concrete paint on the surface and would like to know what is the best way to remove the old latex paint. Could I apply a primer over the old latex before the concrete paint or would a wet bedsheet or such help to lift the old paint? Any help wold be appreciated.

A. First, scrape off as much of the latex as possible. Then use a wire brush to remove any other small areas of the latex that aren't adhering well to the concrete. Whatever latex remains can be painted over. Thoroughly wash the floor with a detergent to remove grease and oil and then allow the floor to dry thoroughly.

You MUST make sure that the concrete floor is properly dry before you repaint. Then you can apply the primer and topcoat.