Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

May, 2003

Paint Stripping (Removal) From Concrete

Q. How do I get paint off of my driveway? I was painting the shutters from my house with oil based paint, and some of it got on the driveway. I tried using a power washer to remove it but to no avail. Any help would be appreciated.

A. When you say that some paint got on the driveway, I am assuming that you are referring to a few drops here and there. If so, have you tried to scrape or wire brush the paint off the surface of your driveway?

You may have success with one of the aforementioned remedies maybe a wire wheel brush on the end of a cordless drill, this would be much easier than scrubbing manually. Please be sure to ware protective eyewear when using power tools.

Depending on whether the driveway is concrete or asphalt, you might be able to use as paint stripper that you can purchase from a hardware store. Be aware, however, that chemical paint strippers can sometimes affect the substrate, especially asphalt. If you do decide to try a chemical paint stripper then please experiment on only a small surface, preferrably in a spot that is not clearly visible to others. Therefore, if the substrate is affected, nobody will be able to see it.

Health and Safety:
Please be aware that coatings, paint strippers and solvents are chemiclas and therefore you should always pay attention to proper handling procedures and be prepared to wear protective clothing, such as respirators, gloves, coveralls, etc., and always be sure that your work area is well ventilated.

For further information on the health and safety requirements for the coatings and solvents you wish to use we strongly advised you to contact your local coating supplier and obtain a copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). If possible, go the extra step and look for this information on the website of the product vendor.