Help with removing paint from walls

[Steven in Iowa]

I have some concrete block basement walls that I need to remove a very thick, glossy coat of paint, perferably most of the way to bare block.  I think it may have some type of filler on it also, maybe to prevent water seapage.  Planning on tuck pointing the joints and then applying Zinsers Dri-Lok.

I tried my Rotex with 25 through 60 grit, and it didn't seem to phase it other than knock a bit of the shine off.  Any suggestions?  I'm about ready to hit it with some really nasty paint stripper the local antique guy brews, but hesitate because of the water heater and furnace.  I'm in the middle of the Iowa heating season.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Angle grinder + wire brush or grinding disc.

 

[Holzhacker]

The obvious question is, Why?
If you've hit it with a Rotex already chances are what is on there is some sort of epoxy/masonry/sealer paint. Sanding probably won't work and produce airborne contaminants.  A friend used to run a stripping business before he died, doors, windows, trim, mantels, etc. I used to pick up 55 gallon drums with him and have seen his crews on jobsites. I don't think using stripper will work out so well. Lots of work and if it is a masonry sealer type paint, results might not be good. Additionally, you may want to consider to massive amounts of toxic goo you would end up with. Granted you have plenty of space in Iowa but do you want to contaminate farmland? If you do use stripper turn OFF an open flames, not just during but also afterwards until the space has been properly ventilated.
A faster option and possibly not any more money would be to frame out and rock the walls. This would allow you to run mechanicals and install insulation.
Good luck

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

I guess if you really want it off, not sure why, have it media blasted.

 

[VictorL]

Steven,

I stripped paint from the concrete wall with 4 1/2" grinder equipped with diamond wheel and dust attachment for vacuum . Works fast, but still a little bit dusty.

Regards,
VictorL

 

[score0matic]

[thumbs up] [thumbs up] [thumbs up] [thumbs up] [thumbs up]

For most heavy removal that puts even the RAS to bed early
Craig

yesterday i removed 70+ sf of VCT adhesive from a sub-floor  in about 30 min  

 

[Steven in Iowa]

[thumbs up] [thumbs up] [thumbs up] [thumbs up] [thumbs up]

For most heavy removal that puts even the RAS to bed early
Craig

yesterday i removed 70+ sf of VCT adhesive from a sub-floor  in about 30 min  

What kind of tool is that?

 

[score0matic]

That is a HILTI DCG500S 
It is  11.5 amp Grinder with dustless cup wheel attachment. 

It is the proper tool for the task you have at hand....where in IOWA are you.

OMAHA NE boy here
Craig

 

[Steven in Iowa]

That is a HILTI DCG500S 
It is  11.5 amp Grinder with dustless cup wheel attachment. 

It is the proper tool for the task you have at hand....where in IOWA are you.

OMAHA NE boy here
Craig

Marion which is attached to Cedar Rapids.  This is fix up from the flood on the Fiance's basement.  Need to waterproof part of an old wall where it meets the new one.

 

[JohnDistai]

I haven't seen an angle grinder with a dust collection port before.  Since it is a Hilti, you could probably rent one of those at the local tool rental place.  It may be expensive to rent, but for the dust collection it may be worth the expense.

 

[VictorL]

Product information is another aspect that brings Festool on the top. Bosch makes dust hoods for grinders, but doesn't promote them to public, you have to go to Bosch USA site, then find dealers who sell them. In case of Hilti Grinder with dust hood is like a top production secret, nobody now if they are doing it, where to buy it, and how much it cost. 

 

[Inner10]

What kind of grinding disc is that Craig?

I saw a guy a pull one of theses out and it seemed to make short work of concrete bumps:

 

[score0matic]

I demo'd one.... at $2,200 for the grinder and vac it wasn't worth the extra money.  I have seen several in factories, and on commercial jobsites for removing epoxy coating off of floors.  It is an awesome system it runs off brushless DC,  there is a plug in converter, to save it from the abrasive concrete dust. 

Craig