Removing old, flaking paint from concrete can be a tedious and time-consuming process. However, using the right paint stripper can make the job much easier. This content covers the top 8 best paint strippers specifically formulated to remove paint from concrete quickly and effectively.
What is Concrete Paint Stripper?
Concrete paint strippers, also known as chemical strippers, are heavy-duty chemical solutions formulated to break down and dissolve latex and oil-based paints, varnishes, sealers, and stains from concrete surfaces. They contain powerful solvents and alkalis that work by swelling the paint layers and attacking the adhesion between the paint and the concrete. This allows the old paint to be easily scraped or scrubbed away without damaging the underlying concrete.
Choosing the right concrete paint stripper for your job is extremely important. The product needs to be strong enough to remove the existing paint coatings without being so harsh that it damages or etches the concrete underneath. It also needs to be easy to apply and clean up afterwards. We detail the most effective concrete paint strippers currently available below.
Benefits of Using Concrete Paint Strippers
Using a chemical paint stripper specially designed for concrete provides a range of benefits over trying to sand or scrub away paint by hand:
- Removes Multiple Layers Fast: Chemical strippers dissolve several coats of paint at once instead of needing to work through each layer individually. This greatly speeds up the paint removal process.
- Does Not Damage Concrete: Good quality concrete paint strippers will remove paint without harming or etching concrete surfaces when used as directed.
- Easier Than Sanding or Grinding: Applying a liquid paint stripper is much less labor intensive than tedious sanding, grinding or pressure washing. It also eliminates concrete dust.
- Environmentally Friendly Options: Some new water-based concrete strippers are non-flammable, non-caustic and low odor for easy and safe use.
When selecting and using chemical paint removers for concrete, it’s also important to follow all manufacturer safety directions carefully. Wear proper eye protection, gloves and protective clothing at all times, only work in well-ventilated areas, and dispose of waste stripper and dissolved paint residues appropriately.
Now let’s review the top-rated concrete paint strippers on the market!
The 8 Best Paint Strippers for Concrete
1. Dumond Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover
Dumond Smart Strip is a premium water-based, biodegradable paint stripper that excels at removing multiple layers of latex, oil and lead-based paints from concrete without damaging the underlying surface. It is formulated with powerful plant-based solvents and contains no methylene chloride, caustic soda, acids, petroleum solvents or toxic fumes.
Smart Strip works quickly by swelling and blistering multiple layers of paint to break the adhesion, allowing full removal in just 20 – 60 minutes. It remains active for up to 24 hours and helps lower project costs by reducing overall labor time. The viscous formula is easy to apply with a roller, brush or airless sprayer and rinses clean with water, neutralizing as it dries. It is effective for exterior and interior concrete projects.
Key Features:
- Removes 5+ layers of paint in one application
- Works in 20 – 60 minutes
- Water-based with plant-based solvents
- No methylene chloride or NMP
- Safe for user and environment
Application Tips:
- Plastic applicators and scrub pads speed up paint removal
- Hot water rinses accelerate neutralization
- May need repeat application on extra thick/aged paint layers
Dumond Smart Strip offers a safe and surprisingly effective method for heavy-duty concrete paint removal. It’s ideal for either DIY users or professional contractors looking to strip paint humanely and responsibly from concrete floors, walls, siding, patios, sidewalks and more with outstanding results.
2. Citristrip Pro Stripper
Citristrip Pro Stripper is a fast-acting paint and varnish remover suitable for both exterior and interior concrete surfaces. This water-based formula utilizes green citrus oil extracts to quickly penetrate multiple layers of latex, oil alkyd and epoxy coatings and lift them from concrete without burning skin or causing irritation like conventional methylene chloride products.
It remains active for up to 24 hours after application, clinging to vertical concrete surfaces. The thick, viscous consistency helps the active ingredients work longer before drying out. Citristrip Pro Stripper contains no carcinogenic chemicals, works quickly in 1 – 2 hours, and cleans up easily with water, making it a safer choice around plants and pets compared to caustic or solvent-laden strippers. It effectively removes concrete driveway sealers, concrete stains, epoxy floor finishes and painted concrete walls.
Key Features:
- Fortified citrus formula
- Water-based VOC compliant
- No methylene chloride, methanol or NMP
- Clings to vertical concrete
- 1-2 hour strip time
Application Tips:
- Apply a thick layer to save time reapplying
- Use a plastic scraper and coarse scrub pad
- Avoid over-rinsing to use stripper’s full contact time
- Hot water speeds surface neutralization
Citristrip Pro Stripper utilizes the natural power of citrus extracts for safe, yet potent concrete paint removal within hours. If you’re seeking an environmentally responsible concrete stripper without the extreme safety hazards, this is an excellent choice.
3. Greens Strip Concrete Paint Stripper
Greens Strip Premium Concrete Stripper is a commercial-grade paint remover designed specifically for heavy coating removal from concrete. It utilizes eco-friendly, biodegradable ingredients to quickly blast through multiple layers of concrete stains, epoxy floor coatings and thick latex and oil-based paints in one step without damage.
This low-odor water-based formula clings well to vertical concrete surfaces and remains active for up to 48 hours after application for maximum effectiveness on aged, exterior concrete paint layers. The viscous consistency helps the active ingredients penetrate and swell paint rather than running off uneven or porous concrete surfaces. Greens Strip Concrete Stripper also stops rusting on rebar and is suitable for indoor concrete as well.
Key Features:
- Commercial-grade concrete paint stripper
- Low odor water-based formula
- Removes 8+ layers at once
- Up to 48-hour working time
- Contains NO methanol, dichloromethane or NMP
Application Tips:
- Apply thick layer and allow to dwell overnight for best results
- Avoid applying too thin or stripping too quickly
- Use coarse scrub pad and plastic scraper
- Power washing speeds complete residue removal
Greens Strip Premium Concrete Paint Remover offers commercial-level performance combined with a safer water-based formula perfect for long neglected exterior concrete stripping projects. It clings well to all concrete surface types while attacking the toughest epoxy or thick latex paint layers.
4. Franmar Pro Strip X-treme Paste Paint Stripper
Franmar Pro Strip X-Treme is an ultra-thick methylene chloride-based stripper enhanced with proprietary extreme adhesion agents that literally blast through practically any coating on concrete within minutes. This super-duty stripper is intended for experienced professionals requiring emergency paint failure correction or ultra-rapid lead abatement from concrete surfaces.
X-Treme Paste thick gel consistency applies easily to horizontal or vertical concrete with minimal drips or runs and continues swelling paint for over 24 hours. The formula quickly penetrates up to 30+ layers of exterior latex, epoxies and lead-based paints in 15 – 30 minutes. Franmar’s extreme gel clings and curls paint rapidly from concrete.
Key Features:
- Ultra thick maximum strength formula
- Proprietary extreme adhesion agents
- Removes 30+ layers fast
- Works in 15 – 30 minutes
- Gel adheres to all surfaces
Application Tips:
- Apply thick 1⁄8” – 1⁄4” layer for best results
- Avoid thin layers on porous concrete
- Use heavy-duty epoxy scraper
- Wear enhanced skin and eye protection
- Use professional blast rinse recovery vacuum
When facing thick aged exterior concrete paint coating failures, Franmar X-Treme paste stripper provides the brute strength needed to rectify them rapidly before further damage occurs. It’s an essential tool for professional home restorers or rehabbers dealing with lead-based exterior concrete paint.
5. Soy Gel Paint & Sealer Remover by SoyClean
SoyClean Soy Gel Paint & Sealer Remover is a highly effective soy and plant-based stripper gel ideal for removing concrete sealers, paints and epoxies without the use of dangerous solvents. It utilizes natural soy esters for powerful paint dissolving action and is formulated to cling to vertical or horizontal concrete surfaces without running.
This VOC-exempt, non-flammable water-based gel is safer for user contact than traditional methylene chloride, NMP, acetone or mastic removers. SoyClean Soy Gel quickly penetrates multiple layers of concrete stains, arts & crafts paints, epoxy floor finishes and other concrete coatings, swelling them from the surface in 30 – 90 minutes. It also reduces job site odor compared to conventional strippers. The residue rinses clean after dwelling with water.
Key Features:
- Soy ester-powered thick gel
- Clings to vertical and overhead concrete
- Non-flammable & low VOC water-based formula
- Easy soap and water cleanup
- Removes acrylics, sealers, epoxies & urethanes
Application Tips:
- Apply thick layer, allow to swell coatings 1+ hour before scraping
- Use plastic scraper to avoid surface scratches
- Hot water speeds residue rinse
- Avoid drips or thin application areas
SoyClean Soy Gel Paint Remover offers a safer bio-based stripper that effectively dissolves concrete coatings rapidly while generating low fumes. The thicker gel helps maximize dwell time on vertical concrete areas.
6. Krud Kutter Original Concentrated Cleaner Deglosser
Krud Kutter Original Concentrate is a commercial-grade water-based cleaner and de-glosser suitable for heavy prep work before painting or staining rough concrete walls. This versatile USDA-Certified Biobased cleaner uses natural plant and vegetable extracts to safely remove concrete efflorescence minerals, salt stains, grease, dirt and more at an affordable cost.
For paint prep, Krud Kutter Concentrate easily removes paint oxidation and chalk, glossy sealer sheens and glue residue from smooth concrete without noxious fumes or skin irritation of conventional solvents. When diluted, it cleans concrete 30 – 50% better than competitive concrete cleaners. Krud Kutter easily attaches garden hose sprayers for applying larger exterior concrete walls and rinses clean with water.
Key Features:
- Commercial-grade concrete cleaner & de-glosser
- Concentrated water-based formula
- Natural plant & vegetable extract powered
- Removes gloss for improved paint adhesion
- Safe for user & environment
Application Tips:
- Pre-soak badly soiled areas
- Apply with brush, roller or sprayer
- Allow 10+ minutes dwell time
- Rinse thoroughly before coating
Krud Kutter Original Concentrated Cleaner offers a safe, yet hardworking concrete cleaner and prep solution to remove dirt, oxidation, oily residues and glossy areas hindering paint or sealer adhesion. It efficiently and affordably cleans all types of textured exterior concrete walls before re-coating them.
7. Jasco Premium Paint and Epoxy Remover
Jasco Premium Paint & Epoxy Remover is a fast-acting methylene chloride-based thick mastic stripper able to remove 5+ layers of latex, oil-based and epoxy coatings from concrete floors and walls in just 3 – 5 minutes. The viscous, clinging formula works quickly by swelling paint layers when applied by brush or roller to bare concrete for future refinishing or prior coated concrete requiring complete removal before re-painting or sealing.
Jasco Premium clings to vertical concrete walls better than competing strippers and stays wet, allowing its powerful solvents to penetrate and lift multiple paint or sealant layers without etching concrete surfaces when appropriately applied. It effectively softens solid or lead-based paints as well for removal in minutes instead of hours like weaker strippers.
Key Features:
- Commercial grade thick mastic remover
- Removes 5+ layers fast – 3-5 mins
- Designed for vertical & horizontal concrete
- Softens solid/lead-based paints quickly
- Methylene chloride-based formula
Application Tips:
- Apply adequate thickness – avoid thin areas
- Allow proper dwell time before scraping
- Use epoxy putty scraper
- Test pH after rinse to ensure neutralization
When dealing with lead abatement or need to rapidly strip concrete for time-sensitive recoating projects, Jasco Premium rapid strength stripper saves hours over weaker water-based options.
8. Sunnyside 64232 Methylene Chloride-Based Paint Remover
Sunnyside Corporations methylene chloride-based Thickened Paint Remover quickly softens and lifts solvent-based paints from concrete within minutes. The gel formula applies easily with a brush and adheres well to smooth concrete while dissolving up to 5 layers of latex, oil-based or epoxy coatings with deep penetration.
Sunnyside ready-to-use paint remover works in 15 minutes and continues swelling paint layers after application. It effectively softens aged lead-based paints as well from exterior concrete for removal and disposal. Once paint is bubbled and lifted from concrete, it scrapes off easily with a putty knife. Sunnyside 64232 contains no acetone, is methylene chloride-based, and cleans up with water after stripping from concrete.
Key Features:
- Fast acting thick gel formula
- Clings well to smooth concrete
- Softens & lifts paints in 15 minutes
- Effectively removes solvent-based coatings
- Easy water cleanup
Application Tips:
- Wear appropriate skin & eye protection
- Apply 1/8”+ thickness on concrete floors
- Allow paint to sufficiently lift before scraping
- Use epoxy putty or floor scrapers
- Test pH after rinse to confirm neutralization
Sunnyside 64232 professional strength concrete paint remover quickly outperforms weaker water-based options when urgent lead abatement or fast project turnarounds are required.
What to Look for When Selecting Concrete Paint Strippers
With many types and brands of chemical paint strippers available for concrete surfaces, it’s important to assess which is the best choice for your particular job site’s needs:
- Paint/Coating Type Compatibility: Check stripper label to ensure compatibility with your specific coating – latex, oil, lead-based, epoxy etc.
- Concrete Surface Type: Make sure stripper is suitable for bare, sealed, smooth, porous or textured concrete surfaces present on your job.
- Environmental Safety: Consider less toxic citrus or soy-based options for interior residential stripping to minimize fumes. Methylene chloride formulas work fastest but require strict safety protocols.
- Application Method: Choose a thicker viscosity stripper for vertical concrete walls that resists running and provides extended working time to swell paint for removal.
- Ease of Rinsing: Select water-soluble concrete strippers whenever possible to simplify residue clean off versus messy solvent rinse-off types.
- Lead Paint Considerations: Opt for professional-grade methylene chloride strippers which soften solid lead-based paints fastest for removal and containment.
Always read and follow the manufacturer’s directions when using paint strippers! Don proper protective gear, ventilate areas appropriately and dispose of waste safely.
Applying Concrete Paint Strippers – Step By Step Process
Once you’ve selected the best concrete paint stripper for your job, proper application technique is still key to safely and effectively removing paint from concrete. Here is a summary process:
- Read Labels & Prepare Area
- Don goggles, gloves, long sleeve shirt/pants and chemical respirator
- Protect surrounding areas from splash, overspray or fumes
- Ensure adequate fresh air ventilation
- Apply Thick Even Layer
- Use brush, roller or thick nap paint pad applicator
- Work stripper from bottom up on vertical surfaces
- Apply slightly thicker layer than paint thickness present
- Allow Proper Dwell Time
- Give stripper required time to soak, swell & lift paint layers
- Typical range is 15 minutes – 2 hours depending on product
- Scrape Away Softened Paint
- Use plastic/wood scraper or coarse scrub pad
- Apply moderate pressure at an angle parallel with concrete surface
- Avoid gouging or abrasion of bare concrete
- Rinse Residue & Neutralize
- Scrub with stiff brush & water / solvent to remove residue
- Check stripper label for required neutralizing agent
- Confirm rinsed concrete pH = neutral
- Allow Concrete to Dry
- Ensure stripper residue is thoroughly rinsed
- Allow 2 – 7 days drying time before applying new coatings
- Follow coating manufacturer directions for proper dried surface appearance before painting or sealing
Be sure to follow all directions when using hazardous paint stripping chemicals including wearing appropriate safety gear, providing adequate site ventilation, rinsing residues thoroughly before disposal, and allowing adequate concrete dry times before re-coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is stripping concrete more difficult than other surfaces?
Yes, removing paint and other coatings from porous concrete can prove more challenging than stripping wood, metal or composite materials for several reasons:
- Uneven textures make achieving complete coating removal difficult
- Surface alkalinity limits stripper options to highly caustic formulas
- Paint penetrates deeper due to concrete porosity
- Painting over existing coatings creates thicker layers
These factors mean strippers must work longer by clinging to vertical areas without running while deeply penetrating layers and resisting neutralization from underlying pH levels to thoroughly lift paint from concrete pores.
How long does concrete paint stripper take to work?
Most concrete paint strippers take 15 minutes up to 2 hours to properly soften and raise multiple paint layers for removal depending on:
- Number of coats applied over time
- Total paint thickness
- Concrete texture and porosity
- Environmental temps and humidity
- Formula strength and application thickness
Quick acting strippers work in 15 – 30 minutes but may only remove 1 – 5 layers of paint at a time. Slower DIY citrus or soy gel strippers require dwell times ranging from 1 – 24 hours but lift more layers in one step. Allowing adequate work time is key to effective concrete stripping.
Does paint stripper damage concrete?
When used as directed by the manufacturer, quality concrete paint strippers will remove coatings without permanently damaging or etching bare concrete beneath. However, incorrect use including:
- Too strong stripper concentration
- Inadequate dwell or rinse times
- Allowing stripper to dry on surface
Can all result in surface etching or localized pitting damage to exposed aggregate or colored architectural concrete surfaces. Always pre-test stripping in a small inconspicuous area first.
How do you neutralize paint stripper on concrete?
Once paint is thoroughly lifted from concrete pores, proper pH neutralizing is critical before applying new primers, paints or sealants. Check the paint stripper directions for recommended neutralizing solutions. Most common methods include:
- Scrubbing with baking soda/water mix
- Rinsing with liquid ammonia + water solution
- Washing with TSP substitute cleaner
Then check floor pH with test strips to confirm complete neutralization before re-coating concrete.
How soon can you paint concrete after stripping?
Ideally concrete should sit 2 – 7 days after paint stripping to allow pH levels to stabilize and ensure no residue is trapped deeply in pores before applying finish coatings. Cool, humid conditions extend required bare concrete drying times after stripping and scrubbing. Always follow the final paint or sealer product manufacturer’s application directions regarding acceptable stripped concrete surface condition and dryness.
