Getting paint on your patio pavers is a terrible feeling, and one tiny drip can prove to be such a nuisance to remove, especially if the stain has gone unnoticed for some time. Here’s how to remove paint from patio pavers.
Paint thinners will remove paint from patio pavers when applied to the affected area. Wait for the paint to soften, and then use a scouring pad or steel wool to remove the paint from the stone.
Removing paint from your patio paver can be quite simple, but different solvents require different applications. The rest of this article will answer the question of how to remove paint from patio pavers.
Removing Paint from Patio Pavers
Whether you’ve accidentally over sprayed and covered part of your pavers with a fine mist of paint or a spot of paint has dripped onto the ground, applying the appropriate chemical solvent to the paver is a straightforward solution to getting solvent-based paint off your patio pavers.
Water-based paint required a different method entirely.
Don’t worry about putting chemicals on the pavers—it won’t adversely affect the color or design of your patio at all.
Removing a Water-Based Paint
If you have water-based paint, then your job is a little easier. If you’ve recently spilled the paint, you should just be able to wash it away with water and a little elbow grease. Get a sharp tool to chip away at the paint if necessary.
If the paint has dried, you’ll need to put together a mixture of dish soap and warm water and leave it on the paint for a few minutes. Then, take a wet rag and vigorously scrub the paint until it comes off.
Afterward, you can use a fresh dry cloth to wipe away any leftover smudges of paint.
Removing Solvent-Based Paints
Solvent-based paints are usually more heavy-duty and require a lengthier process to remove. If you’ve just spilled solvent-based paint on your patio pavers, take a rag or paper towel and try to clean up any surface paint.
You can also use a tool to scrape away at the paint and try to remove as much as possible; however, since the paint will sink into concrete, you will likely have to follow a more involved process to remove solvent-based paint.
Preparing Your Equipment
Whenever you’re working with a solvent like paint thinner, always be sure to wear solvent-resistant gloves.
Move the affected paver to an open, well-aerated area far away from anything else that you don’t want near harsh chemicals.
You can do a spot fix on the affected pavers in place, but you run the risk of the paint liquifying during treatment and damaging other nearby pavers. Place the paver ready for treatment on a plastic drop sheet.
Spraying the Solvent
Apply an even coat of paint thinner to the affected area. Depending on the type of solvent you have, you’ll need to use a brush, rag, or aerosol can to apply the thinner. Generally, liquid thinners can remove two coats at a time, which brush-applied paste solvents can remove several layers at once.
Put in Some Elbow Grease
After you’ve waited for the length of time listed on your solvent for the paint to soften, start scrubbing away with your steel wool to start loosening the paint from the paver. Once you’re done, rinse the excess paint out of your steel wool using a garden hose and place the paver back in place.
There’s no need to dry it—air drying is the best way to leave your patio paver. If you find that the solvent hasn’t fully removed the paint, consider repeating the process until the paint is fully removed from the paver.
Final Thoughts
Removing paint from your patio paver can feel like a daunting task. After all, paint is notoriously difficult to remove when spilled. The amount of work you’ll have to do depends on two factors: the type of paint you have and how recently the paint was spilled.
If you have a water-based paint, a simple warm water and dish soap solution will remedy the situation quickly. For solvent-based paints, you’ll need to get a paint thinner, apply a coat, and put in some elbow grease with a scouring rag. If at first you don’t succeed, scrub and scrub again!
After you’re done, you can hose off the paver to get rid of any loose or watery paint and hopefully have your patio pavers looking brand new in no time.
FAQs
How Do I Remove Grease Stains from Pavers?
Removing grease stains from pavers requires some straightforward materials. First, apply kitty litter or sawdust to the affected area and leave overnight.
Next, pour a few tablespoons of grease-cutting dish soap onto the stain and rinse with hot water. Repeat this process as necessary until the grease stains have lifted.
How to Strip Sealer from Pavers?
To strip sealer from your pavers, you’ll need to apply an appropriate sealer stripping solvent to the affected paver.
Before doing so, be sure to cover any nearby furniture and plants with protective plastic drop sheets and put on your protective eyewear and a charcoal filter respirator.
Apply carefully and don’t put too much one. Wait 10 minutes after applying before washing off the old sealer with a pressure washer. Once finished, you can strip any spotty areas that didn’t come clean and repeat the cleaning process.
How to Remove Mold from Between Pavers?
Removing mold from between pavers is pretty straightforward. You’ll need a vinegar or bleach solution, a stiff brush, scraper, Borax, and appropriate safety equipment. Dissolve a cup of warm water with white vinegar and Borax, then apply it to the affected area after soaking it with the hose.
Leave the solution to soak for a few minutes, then take your hard-bristled brush and give it some elbow grease. Once you’ve removed the mold, rinse off the patio and let it air dry in the sun. Rinse and repeat a week later if the mold persists.
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