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Stumped on how to remove epoxy from concrete? Let us fill in the details. You’ll learn which tools and supplies you’ll need and how to get the job done straight away.
Epoxy is a super hard composite material with many uses – among them finishes on a concrete garage or workshop floor. You’ll get many years of wear. But what if you need to remove some epoxy from concrete due to a spill?
How you proceed will depend on the condition of the epoxy and how long it has been on the concrete. It’s best to begin clean-up as soon as the epoxy is spilled. Although it will harden, the adhesive will not fully cure for a day or more.
It’s best to remove epoxy from concrete before it cures. As soon as you notice a drip or spill, use isopropyl alcohol or acetone on a clean cloth to wipe up the epoxy.
Turn your cloth several times to use a clean area and add more solvent to remove the epoxy from the concrete completely.
If neither of those solvents seems to be working, you may also want to try paint thinner (mineral spirits).
If the concrete has a rough finish, it may be helpful to use a stiff bristle brush. Use it with the solvent to loosen the tiny particles of epoxy so that the cloth can wipe them away.
Please wear safety gloves and eye protection when working with solvents, as they can irritate the skin and eyes. Also, ensure adequate ventilation.
How to get epoxy off your skin: always wear safety gloves when working with epoxy and other adhesives. If you get any epoxy on your skin, try to remove it as quickly as possible using vinegar on a cloth or paper towel first. Rub it on the epoxy to soften it, then peel it away. If that doesn’t do the trick, try a citrus hand cleaner/degreaser or acetone (nail polish remover).
Removing cured epoxy from concrete is more difficult but not impossible. Begin with the same solvents mentioned above: acetone, denatured alcohol, or paint thinner.
You’ll need to let the solvent stay in contact with the epoxy for an extended time, so the easiest way is to soak a cloth in the solvent and lay it on the epoxy. Check to see if the epoxy has softened after 15 to 20 minutes. If so, begin scraping it away with a putty knife or razor knife. Always use care and wear leather gloves when doing so. Never scrape toward any part of your body.
If all else fails, use a grinder to remove hardened epoxy from the concrete floor. Here’s a tip to avoid damaging the surrounding concrete: place several layers of duct tape around the spot of epoxy. That way, as you grind you will immediately notice if you are hitting the tape. That means you are tilting the grinder and hitting the surrounding area. Adjust your angle and continue.
Now that you know how to deal with removing unwanted epoxy, you can work with confidence. Loctite produces a line of the best epoxies on the market.
You’ll appreciate Loctite Epoxy Quick Set as an excellent overall super adhesive. Once mixed, it will produce a rigid bond in just 5 minutes. It will adhere to a wide range of materials and is stout enough to fill gaps and make surface repairs. The dual syringe makes measuring and mixing a cinch.
