Cleaning the slab

[Rich H.]

I didn't protect the slab from paint drips and drywall mud during my build because I can be a clumsy ox, and figured I would trip over anything I put down and probably hurt myself.

Now that my paint work is mostly done, I have to clean up the slab in preparation for...? Well I don't know exactly....probably nothing fancy, maybe densifier and a sealer of some kind.

What's the easiest way to clean water based latex off the slab?

I have been using "Citristrip", it does work well, I am about halfway done now....but it's awfully slow.

The drywall mud comes off easy, wash and scrub...the paint, not so much.

 

[Edger]

Keep going, it is a pain, but finish it that way then acid etch to prepare for a coating, or just apply a hardener according to instructions. If it is working it is probably better than all the alternatives such as diamond grinding, shot blasting etc. considering the results vs the cost.

 

[Rich H.]

Thanks for the encouragement, I guess I will just keep plugging away.

Cost is a definite limiting factor, and the citristrip paint stripper is kind of nice in that it doesn't produce any noxious fumes...so I guess I shouldn't complain. I got myself into this mess after all!

 

[repomannwp]

I've been surprised what a simple razor scraper can do... I personally don't like strippers, gels and acids. If its bad, shot blasting is the nuts and leaves the floor ready for anything.

 

[Rich H.]

I guess I'm not too bright for not putting down something to protect it from the mess to begin with, but knowing how clumsy I can be maybe I was smart to avoid that....When I remodel my basement I'll try it and see.

Anyway the cleanup is going well, more comments on my build thread.

Here's a picture of today's progress
http://garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=146352&d=1320019115

 

[Rich H.]

Hooked on phonics worked for me