How to Remove Paint from Concrete and Other Stains

Cleaning concrete can be a simple project even from difficult stains such as paint, oil and rust. Removing paint and oil is centered around using TSP to draw out the stain. When cleaning with TSP make sure to use goggles and rubber gloves. Use the TSP to make a paste and cover the stain with the paste. Let the solution set for 24 hours. After 24 hours you can scrape up the dried TSP and rinse. This process may need to be repeated to get max effectiveness.

Key Takeaways:

The three toughest stains are those of paint, oil, and rust and the secret to doing this is to draw the stain from the concrete.
To mix up the absorbent solution, one needs to use about one ounce of trisodium phosphate and some water while wearing eye protection.
When removing stains that are tough, the key is to have patience because you might need to apply the solution about two or three times.

“The cleaner slowly soaks into the concrete and breaks up the old oil, and the absorbent captures it. Once the paste dries, the cleaning action stops, and you can scrape and sweep it away (Photo 3). Either throw it away or renew it with more TSP and water and reapply it for deeper cleaning.”