best way to remove paint from cement patio? (washers, gas, versus)

[dgz]

I have a cement patio that the previous owner painted brick red. Two years later the paint is wearing off and it looks really spotted. I'd like to take it back to the original concrete and then consider sealing it later.

Does anyone know of an easy / non toxic way to remove paint from cement? I've seen paint strippers, but the chemicals usually come with lots of health warnings.

I'm wondering if renting a floor/belt sander might be the way to go? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[cdelena]

Give a powerful pressure washer a try; they will often strip paint pretty well.

[dgz]

Originally Posted by cdelena

Give a powerful pressure washer a try; they will often strip paint pretty well.

Thanks! I will check this out.

[Narfcake]

Another vote for a pressure washer. The electric ones (1500-1800psi) might be able to blast it off. The gas engined ones (2500+ psi) most likely will.

[JimRom]

The electrics won't have the power to strip the paint, more than likely, but if you can rent a 3000 psi gas powered unit with the right tip (ask the salesperson), it should take the majority of it off. You may still have to get down and dirty with a wire brush or an electric stripper in a few spots, but a good pressure washer will do the majority of it.

[dgz]

Thanks everyone! I will be looking for power washers this weekend. Regarding 3000 psi though: Aren't most concretes designed for 3000 or 4000 psi? Won't that damage the concrete versus just stripping the paint?

[dgz]

Originally Posted by dgz

Thanks everyone! I will be looking for power washers this weekend. Regarding 3000 psi though: Aren't most concretes designed for 3000 or 4000 psi? Won't that damage the concrete versus just stripping the paint?

Neverrmind... another 10 minutes in Google helped me find the answer for this one! :-)

[JimRom]

Originally Posted by dgz

Neverrmind... another 10 minutes in Google helped me find the answer for this one! :-)

I hate it when I do that.