How to strip flaking paint of a concrete surface?

RebeccaH

Hello

I'm after some advice as to how to remove this red paint off my concrete balcony. I believe it is only a single paint job applied around 2 years ago to the original raw concrete surface. It is now starting to flake off  in small areas as shown in the photos. I do not want to repaint it as I would be happy with the exposed concrete surface, but could do if this would be an easier, cheaper option to achieve a neat finish. 

Alternatively, I have considered tiling my balcony. If I were to do this, would you recommend removing the paint first or can I tile on top of the paint? 

EricL

Hello @RebeccaH 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your concrete surface.

In order to remove the peeling paint off the concrete surface, I suggest using either the Josco 75mm Stainless Steel Twistknot Wire Cup Brush Wheel or the Craftright 75mm Crimped Cup Brush in combination with a grinder. Please remember to wear personal protection such as proper clothing, gloves, goggles and a mask when grinding the paint away. Once the paint surface has been stripped away it will need to be washed with water and detergent to remove all the debris. Once the surface is clean you can then proceed with tiling the surface.

Should you wish to retain the raw concrete finish, it might be necessary to use the Full Boar 125mm Double Row Diamond Cup in combination with the grinder. This is on the condition that the paint stripping step left surface scars on the concrete surface. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric