Floor Coating Removal

[Rex Ruby]

This isn't for my garage but I hope it's OK to ask here.

I want to epoxy coat my basement floor. I have at least 7 colors of paint that would probably be 2 coats each. What is a good way to remove it all to the bare concrete?

Thanks in advance!

[Concrete Video]

I know for cars they have chemical strippers, I don't know if something like that would work. I would also consider sandblasting with a portable blaster. I'm curious what everyone else thinks on this, because I have miscellaneous paint/grime stains on my garage floor I'd like to clean eventually.

[danski0224]

How bout renting a machine that polishes terrazzo flooring?

[Rex Ruby]

How bout renting a machine that polishes terrazzo flooring?

I know there is a machine that will grind the coating off and even smooth the concrete, $250 a day. Probably cheaper than the amount of chemical it would take. Nothing is removing all the coats at once.

[PatrickW]

What about using one of those floor buffers that Home Depot rents out?

They have several kinds of abrasive pads that go with it.

Has anyone tried that...?

- Patrick

[Rex Ruby]

What about using one of those floor buffers that Home Depot rents out?

They have several kinds of abrasive pads that go with it.

Has anyone tried that...?

- Patrick

I rented one from MAB Paints and did my basement floor.
It isn't a regular buffer, it's a concrete grinder.
It took the paint off pretty good.

[JayB]

After you paint I would recommend getting your air ducts cleaned!
I helped my buddy "O.C.D" his floors here. http://gallery.intlwaters.com/thumbnails.php?album=208