In certain circumstances you might be needing to remove epoxy from concrete, It can be a situation where you have purchased an old house with a garage and you need to remove epoxy from your garage floor, but sometimes It can be a bit tricky and tedious. So How to remove epoxy from concrete? Of course, there are not many ways to do this.
But if you need to remove the epoxy, there are a few methods for it. You can also enlist the help of a professional to do it but doing it by yourself can sometimes be ideal. As said there are not many ways to remove epoxy. And also you should plan well in advance and use your brainpower before proceeding.
Sometimes it can be hard to do it on your own, but there are a couple of ways in which you can safely remove epoxy from your concrete. It will be ideal to use the below-mentioned steps for better removal.
What Is Epoxy?
For anyone who doesn’t know about epoxy, the epoxy solvent consists of two components. That is resin and hardener. About a decade ago this was a handy application and was used for many basements, garages, and patios. It gives a shiny surface after coating and is a fairly thick solvent. This is also relatively inexpensive. But the problem with this epoxy is that it turns yellow over some time.
As we mentioned earlier, there are not many epoxy removal methods. The easiest way to remove it is to use a chemical or a suitable machine.
If you find it difficult to do this on your own, there is nothing wrong with seeking the help of a professional. But if you want to do it alone, you need a good plan and brainpower. However below we have mentioned a couple of sure ways for you to get the work done.
Safety Measures Before Removing Epoxy From Concrete
Before going forward, as said safety should come first. One way to remove epoxy is to use a paint stripper. Paint stripper is a chemical product that removes paint, cleans the surface underneath, and removes finishes and coatings.
These contain a large number of potent chemicals, so you need to ensure your safety. In particular, it is not advisable to inhale the chemicals released from these. Therefore a proper face mask should be worn for that. Also, be sure to wear a full-length suit and boots to cover your body.
So, How To Remove Epoxy From Concrete?
Let’s dig deep and see a few easy methods to remove epoxy from concrete.
How To Remove Epoxy From Concrete Using Paint Strippers?
These paint strippers mainly contain methyl ethyl ketones. You can get these from the local hardware. Once you have obtained this, read the description fully and follow the relevant instructions properly. Then put the paint stripper solution you got into a bucket, and you should never touch the liquid by hand. It is ideal to use two rubber gloves.
Then apply the solution to the epoxy concrete surface with a mop or brush. Once well laid, the area should be left open and not covered. Allow it to dry for the required time as per the instructions on the package.
After the relevant time, take a putty knife or paint scraper and check if the epoxy layer on the surface is peeling off. Once the epoxy layer is completely removed it should be washed. You can prepare a solution for this at home. Vinegar and water are the main ingredients. Vinegar is a solvent that removes hard stains well.
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How To Remove Epoxy From Concrete Using A Machine?
Since you already know how to remove epoxy, you may realize that there aren’t many ways to remove it. The next most successful method is to use a machine. In addition to the use of chemicals, using a machine is also a successful method. The first tool you can use here is to use a floor grinder. This is a bit expensive, but there are places where you can rent out these.
The other device is a Steel Shot-Blast. This will help you to remove the newly laid epoxy paint and you can also get it from a hardware store. It is the same as the grinder, but the technology shot blast is a bit different. It uses circle balls to remove the coating epoxy from the floor. You can use these two methods for the question of “How to remove epoxy from concrete”
How To Remove Epoxy Flooring From Concrete?
Epoxy flooring is different from epoxy paint, to tell you in a nutshell epoxy flooring is a type of synthetic resin floor system that is laid on top of the concrete layer as a form of protection and decoration.
It can also be removed, but it takes considerable time and some experience from a professional. As the epoxy floor coating is bonded with the concrete, it is a bit difficult to remove as removing some paint.
You can use a lightweight floor sander or grinder to get the best results. As mentioned above, removing the epoxy floor easily is a bit of a chore and it is wise to use someone with good experience for it. These devices emit dust and debris and it is best to use goggles to protect your eyes from it.
Boots and hoods should also be worn. When using this sander or grinder it is important to move it in the same direction. If the epoxy coating is a thin layer, you can use a sander or a slightly thicker layer grinder or shot blaster.
What To Do After Removing Epoxy?
Once you have successfully removed the epoxy layer, you need to apply some glue to the concrete to prevent it from leaking. There are various solvents on the market for this purpose and it is well resistant to water, heat, and frost.
Conclusion
Using these methods is not an easy task and you need to be well prepared for it. This should be done very carefully with safety in mind. If you find it difficult to do this on your own, it is wise to seek professional help on how to remove epoxy from concrete.
