Removing latex paint

[Ranger1227]

This weekend, I am beginning the process to redo my garage floor. I need to get it prepped for the epoxy before my dirveway is replaced as they need to bring the steamroller slightly into the garage and I would rather have that done before I epoxy. This weekend, I plan to strip the old latex(I believe) paint off the remaining portions where it has not worna way from the previous owner. Then, right before the new driveway is installed, I will etch. (I don't want acid on the new driveway).

Anyway, the real question is if I should rent a floor buffer and buy some of those sander disks to sand off the paint? It seems like it will go faster than using paint remover. I am able to remove paint with the power washer, but I hate to waste all that water.

Any thoughts on the immediate question as well as the overall plan are appreciated.

 

[Ranger1227]

Guys, I could use some help here. I tried sanding this morning with a power roatry sander, but the paint did not come off. I am now trying some paint remover on certain spots, but that is going to be time consuming and expensive. Any ideas?

 

[comp]

will a scaper work ??

 

[Fuller]

You are experiencing the DIY dilemma: It takes a much heavier duty machine to effectively remove a paint coating - especially if it's gummy. You need to rent a floor grinder (not a sander) or maybe a shot blaster. Or hire it out.

 

[Ranger1227]

Thanks for the input. I was actually able to powerwash off most of the paint on the floor. For the rest, I have put down heavy duty paint stripper, covered it with plastic and will scrape it off in the morning. It appears there are two layers. The top I am pretty sure is latex, as it peels up immediately with the stripper. The bottom layer does not come up as easily and is gummy. I will powerwash again and get off what I can.

 

[Jaguar Fan]

Thanks for the input. I was actually able to powerwash off most of the paint on the floor. For the rest, I have put down heavy duty paint stripper, covered it with plastic and will scrape it off in the morning. It appears there are two layers. The top I am pretty sure is latex, as it peels up immediately with the stripper. The bottom layer does not come up as easily and is gummy. I will powerwash again and get off what I can.

Post some pictures if you can

 

[Ranger1227]

After letting the stripper sit under plastic overnight, I woke up this morning to find that it dried out over most areas. I powerwashed what I could, but still have problem areas. I hate to put any product down if this will not work, given all of the problems I am having removing paint or whatever it is now. I am tempted to let wear and tear finish the job rather than waste my weekends on a futile endeavor. I am attaching my pics in the hope that someone can tell me how to remove this last bit, tell me it's OK to proceed with covering, or any other sage advice.

 

[Ranger1227]

This one has the "after" pics and one "before pic..

 

[rsanter]

how about a sand blaster (if you have one)

bob

 

[SC-Eric]

Hi Ranger,

Most rental companies have EDCO floor grinders with Diamond Inserts... Using one of these should remove the old coating as well as providing the prep you need to receive epoxy...

 

[Ranger1227]

Eric:

Thanks. Assuming I can find one, are they hard to use? I had a hard time controlling the floor sander I rented. It kept trying to go left on me. Also, If use the grinder does that mean I can skip degereasing and acid etching?

Thanks.

 

[AlphaGarage]

The single head ones can be a bit much to control. The dual heads have the brushes spinning in opposite directions, so they are often easier to direct.

 

[Ranger1227]

Thanks for the help. I found a place that rents the Edco grinders. Is there a difference between the gas powered ones and the electric ones? Also, what should I ask for for grindingheads. Lastly, if I go this route, can I skip the degreasing step or should I do that first? Thanks.

 

[SC-Eric]

Eric:

Thanks. Assuming I can find one, are they hard to use? I had a hard time controlling the floor sander I rented. It kept trying to go left on me.

That is happening all over the country it seems. Everything is going left... Hollywood... Democrats... and even John McCain!

Also, If use the grinder does that mean I can skip degereasing and acid etching?

Thanks.

That really depends on which products you are going to use. You'll want to ask the manufacturer of the products you intend to use... It never hurts to degrease...

Thanks for the help. I found a place that rents the Edco grinders. Is there a difference between the gas powered ones and the electric ones? Also, what should I ask for for grindingheads. Lastly, if I go this route, can I skip the degreasing step or should I do that first? Thanks.

The gas powered ones are usually stronger... The electric ones like to trip breakers... BUT, if you have plenty of electricity you can use electric. You want the diamond insert blocks... something like this:

 

[Ranger1227]

Thanks. I have 220 in the garage, so I won't have any problem. However, my DW now wonders if this is worth it, and if the epoxy will eventually wear out, will we hve even more problems later removing what I put down now.

 

[thegarageguy]

wow, what a mess!! I'm wondering how many hours you put into this project so far? Now your scared to put on something that may fail. Why wouldn't you just pay a pro to have it done for you? A warranty is a great peace of mind.

 

[SC-Eric]

If you wear out a Wolverine Floor... You'll be the first one...

 

[Ranger1227]

I lost Saturday morning this past long weekend with the unsuccessful floor sander.

powerwashed all Sunday AM, put the stripper on Sunday night and powerwashed again all Monday AM.

KIlled the holiday weekend.

I thought I'd save some some dough doing it myself.

 

[AlphaGarage]

I lost Saturday morning this past long weekend with the unsuccessful floor sander.

powerwashed all Sunday AM, put the stripper on Sunday night and powerwashed again all Monday AM.

KIlled the holiday weekend.

I thought I'd save some some dough doing it myself.

Could you tell us what model Edco sander and the type of stones or blades used?

 

[Ranger1227]

I haven't called to find out, since I am on hold right now. They list a gas powered one and an electric one on their website.