Removing Epoxy

[dummptyhummpty]

One of the previous owners put down an epoxy floor coat that I would like to remove. I've read that I could either use a shot blaster or a chemical stripper. I spent sometime yesterday using the chemical stripper with mediocre results.

At first I was using a paintbrush to apply the stripper, but found I had better results just pouring it on directly and using the paintbrush to spread it. Even after waiting and trying multiple times, I'm left with some coloring that won't come up. Is this the type of results I can expect or am I doing something incorrectly?

If so then I think it might be worth it to just rent the shot blaster and save the stripper for the vertical areas of the garage.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Better to grind off. Stripping won't profile the concrete for the next coating system.

 

[dummptyhummpty]

Thanks for the reply. Are "grinding" and shot blasting the same thing? How would I tackle the vertical parts of my floor (visible in the picture)?

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Hand grinder.
Shotblasting is a very effective removal tool. However, if you can rent the equipment, it may be cost prohibitive.

Contact your local Home Depot to see if they rent the Diamabrush mastic removal tool.

 

[Jim B]

^^^^ +1 for the Diamabrush mastic remover. Takes the epoxy off and leaves the floor profiled for recoating.