Painted Patio Slabs

Fluella

I've recently purchased my first home with my boyfriend and we are now the proud owners of red painted patio slabs.

Is there any way of removing the paint without damaging the slabs as we both like the patio area just not the colour! My bf has tried to pressure wash some of the loose paint and it has worked to some degree.

Thanks for your help.

alanobrien

Paint stripper ? although you may need a fair amount of it.

I would try watering it down a bit to see if a diluted solution works. You can get it from any of the DIY sheds.

Hunnymonster

Pressure wash, a stiff wire brush and elbow grease..... although it's possible you'll never get rid of it all.

Failing that I'd look at hiring a sandblaster/gritblaster - which would throw lots of high pressure water and sand/grit at the offending paint and should remove it - though you'd have to be careful not to damage the paving too.

scottishchick27

Would it be possible for you to lift the slabs and turn them over, might be easier than trying to remove the paint.

Happy_saver_4

Now your bf has removed all the old loose flaky red paint. Paint the patio with PVA diluted 50% with water. This will seal the slabs.
Then paint the slabs any colour you want. Masonry paint gives a good finish.

Be careful if sand blasting or even pressure washing. Our local patio slab manufacturer advises against pressure washing. He says the slab sealing surface is taken off ( a good pressure wash = 4 yrs rain) and allows them to get dirty and erode quicker etc. He reckons a stiff brush and a bucket of water is best.

Fluella

Thanks for all the replies. I suggested turning them over too but i think they are cemented down?

My bf bought some paint stripper and with a wire brush it is slowly starting to disappear! He'll probably be out there for a while attempting to get rid of it but at least it keeps him entertained!!

Thanks again