Concrete garage floors and driveways deal with all kinds of chemicals—car oils, fertilizers, bug sprays, and everyday household products. But one of the most frustrating messes to clean up is paint. Whether you’ve stored old cans that eventually leaked or you’re painting and accidentally drip a few spots, fresh or dried paint can leave a stubborn mark on bare concrete.

This quick guide breaks down practical ways to remove paint from concrete, whether the spill just happened or has been sitting for months. You’ll also learn the most reliable way to avoid paint stains altogether: protecting the surface with a durable garage floor coating.

Removing Fresh Paint From Concrete

If paint has just spilled or splattered onto your garage floor, fast action can save you a lot of effort later. Here’s what to do:

1. Lift the excess paint immediately.
Wet paint is thick and usually sits on top of concrete before seeping in. Use a paint scraper or a piece of stiff plastic to gently scoop up the paint without spreading it around. After that, blot the area with paper towels to remove as much as possible.

2. Apply acetone.
In a well-ventilated space, pour a small amount of acetone onto the affected spot and let it work for about five minutes. Then scrub the area until the paint loosens. Always wear gloves, eye protection, and a respirator when handling solvents. If some color remains, repeat the process until the stain is lifted.

Removing Dried or Old Paint From Concrete

Discovering old, set-in paint stains can be frustrating, but there are several effective ways to tackle them:

1. Use a chemical paint remover.
Hardware stores offer a wide range of paint strippers, from powerful liquid options to eco-friendly gel formulas. Choose one that matches the type of paint and your preferred safety level. Follow the product instructions carefully for best results.

2. Consider pressure washing.
While this method is better suited for driveways than indoor garages, a pressure washer can blast away deep paint stains using hot water or detergent. It also cleans off grime and buildup at the same time.

3. Grinding the concrete surface.
For floors with heavy or widespread staining, professional grinding may be the most effective fix. This technique removes a thin layer of the concrete surface—along with the paint—creating a clean slate for repairs or new coatings.

Prevent Paint Stains Before They Happen

The simplest way to avoid ever dealing with paint spills is to protect the concrete itself. High-quality concrete floor coatings create a tough, stain-resistant barrier that bonds to the slab. With a system like SPR Paint Floor Coating®, paint cannot soak into the concrete at all. Even if paint dries on the surface, you can easily wipe, mop, or scrape it away without leaving a trace.

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