How to Remove Paint from Stem Wall

[rwwoods]

I need to remove paint from a stem wall before I apply epoxy. The wall is 3 inches high and 1 inch wide with a rough surface similar to my driveway. If I hand grind it, I will have to do it wet or have a huge dust storm. However, because of the surface roughness, its not clear that the paint can be removed without a lot of grinding. Another option would be to use a solvent and remove enough of the paint to allow the epoxy to bind to most of the rugged surface. How should I proceed?

 

[Tronyadorable]

Propane torch and wire brush.

 

[shaun oriold1]

is the paint peeling off? and what was it painted with. Its always messy to remove stem walls. So you can try to coat over it, and know touchups might be necessary -keep in mine stem walls take no wear....
Since its only 3" why not put up some baseboard? really finish it nicely!

 

[crf731]

If your walls and garage aren't all finished nice and you don't mind getting everything wet, a 3500 psi pressure washer would probably do the trick.

Most rental stores will have them.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Pressure washer and a turbo nozzle are your friend.

 

[benwah]

Pressure washer and a turbo nozzle are your friend.

I agree, if we have some more facts.

When you say "paint" what do you mean? I can assume you're not talking about any type of epoxy? Maybe some cheap Home Depot/Lowes acrylic or enamel? If that is the case, try to pressure wash it off. I wouldn't suggest a paint stripper in that case because those blocks are pretty porous, and dealing with a vertical situation I can only imagine it would be a major PITA. On the other hand, I never use a liquid paint stripper and prefer grinding/blasting.

You can also try a razor blade scraper and see what that does for ya as well.

 

[rwwoods]

To the best of my knowledge the coating is some type of 1-part paint. Acetone does not affect the coating, so it is not water based. The entrance to the house is on the stem wall and the paint has worn in some spots due to foot traffic.

 

[Tronyadorable]

To the best of my knowledge the coating is some type of 1-part paint. Acetone does not affect the coating, so it is not water based. The entrance to the house is on the stem wall and the paint has worn in some spots due to foot traffic.

Heat is your friend.

 

[benwah]

Except that burning paint is extremely toxic. Bad idea.

 

[Zrexxer]

And that putting flame on concrete is going to cause popping and spalling. Bad idea x2.