Flagstones covered in paint-salvagable?

never_enough

Just taken up carpet in lobby & toilet. Underneath are lovely chunky old flagstones that sadly have been painted. I think it's floor paint (it's that sort of dark brick red colour) but is worn & patchy. Also the carpet edge stuff (wood with spikes to hold carpet) has been glued all around the edges, looks like araldite or similar!? Is there any point in me trying to save them~any advice on where to start?
Thanks

babyangel10

Hi,

What about trying either a hot air stripper (on a low setting), or a steam cleaner if you can get hold of one? This might loosen the glue on the carpet grippers, and also the floor paint. Then maybe one of those non scratch scourers on the floor with a bit of white spirit, whilst it is still warm from the heat/steam?

Asda do a heat gun for £11 (Wolf brand - probably only in the larger stores though) and you could always try it and if no joy, get a refund on it, perhaps, so that you haven't wasted your money?

You could perhaps try some fine steel wool on the flagstones? And maybe nail polish remover?

Just some ideas which I hope will start you off! I'm no expert though, so try on inconspicuous areas first!

fatnbald

you could use nitromors paint stripper that will shift all of it, unfortunately it is pretty nasty stuff if you get it on your skin, gives off fumes and is not very cost effective for a large area.

nickj_2

nitromors is not suitable for indoor use as the fumes are v dangerous to breathe
ask at your local builders merchant if they have anything you can use