How to Remove Dried Paint From Flagstone

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Things You'll Need

  • Pressure washer

  • Low-pressure tip

  • Putty knife

  • 80-grit sandpaper

  • Rubber gloves

  • Paint stripping solvent

  • Rags

Do not smoke while working with flammable stripping solvents.

Exterior painting projects tend to stir excitement in the hearts of many do-it-yourselfers. Unfortunately, when amateurs dive in, drips and splatters often result. Removing paint from surfaces like wood and vinyl is a task fraught with risk because these surfaces scar relatively easily. Fortunately, if you need to remove paint from flagstone, you are in luck, as this durable surface allows for aggressive removal techniques. Utilize the right materials and know the potential pitfalls, or you could end up with unexpected consequences.

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Step 1

Remove as much paint from the flagstone as possible, using a pressure washer, equipped with a low-pressure tip. Wait 2 to 4 hours for the flagstone to dry.

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Step 2

Scrape off as much dried paint as possible, using a putty knife.

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Step 3

Sand off remaining stubborn paint particles, using a low-grit sandpaper. Stop here if the flagstone is free from paint.

Step 4

Wear rubber gloves.

Step 5

Dampen a rag with paint stripping solvent. Wring excess solvent from the rag to prevent dripping.

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Step 6

Apply solvent to the remaining dried paint, using the rag.

Step 7

Wait 60 seconds for the solvent to loosen the dried paint. Scrape off the remaining dried paint, using the putty knife and sandpaper.

Warning

Do not use a power sander on flagstone, saturated with paint stripper, as the friction may cause the solvent to ignite.

Do not smoke while working with flammable stripping solvents.

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