Any tricks to getting this stuff off my basement walls?

Submitted by repstein26 t3_z1ggsp in DIY

https://imgur.com/a/IxW3ziv

On one of my basement walls, I have this green stuff that looks and feels kind of like old paint chips. I am trying to improve the appearance of the basement by painting the ceiling joists, painting walls with dry lok, and epoxy the floors. I used a putty knife to scrape some of the chips off the wall, but it’s taking a long time so I’m wondering if there’s any tricks to getting this stuff of the wall quickly? Maybe scrubbing it with some kind of chemical mixture? Thanks in advance!

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Klai8 t1_ixax3iw wrote

In addition to what the other comment, there are roll on acid solvents that you put on and make it WAY easier to come off

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repstein26 OP t1_ixaz4km wrote

Something like this? https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Oleum-1-gal-Concrete-Etch-and-Cleaner-301242/206495770

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Klai8 t1_ixazul3 wrote

Yep—I know it says to use it on floors but I’ve seen people use it on walls too. Also make sure whatever brush or roller you use is a material that it won’t melt (like cotton).

Even just a nylon paintbrush or rubber roller should work but ofc read the instructions

IMPORTANT EDIT: do NOT use an angle grinder and steel brush is you use this stuff lol. You will have to scrape it by hand after but it comes off like butter peel

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PioneerStandard t1_ixaxj8x wrote

The EMT to that receptacle has no offset. Would not hurt to strap the EMT closer-ish to the device location(add a strap). You could try a pressure washer on the walls, but you need a drain and lots of clean up.

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Material_Swimmer2584 t1_ixb8466 wrote

Power washer??

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ymmotvomit t1_ixcacdz wrote

Round disc surface pressure washer attachments are amazing. And they use far less water than a wand.

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Material_Swimmer2584 t1_ixcpl8q wrote

Thanks for this reply. I didn't know that. Super helpful!!

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ymmotvomit t1_ixebke7 wrote

Yea, so I have purchased three of these . It’s incredible how fast they clean and how little water they use compared to wands. I’d rate them one of my top three tools over all. Crazy efficient.

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Syndicofberyl t1_ixawlz0 wrote

Wire brush on an angle grinder. Wear a respirator and safety glasses

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repstein26 OP t1_ixaz1cp wrote

I was planning on getting an angle grinder tomorrow!

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fangelo2 t1_ixb5wnf wrote

An angle grinder is going to create a tremendous amount of dust that you definitely don’t want in your house or lungs. Grinding concrete will produce dust that can cause silicosis . If there is any black mold there, you don’t want that spread through the house. Is the paint lead based? Probably not, but it’s not a bad idea to get it tested. I would just scrape it as you are doing and spray it with a cleaner, and wipe it down. If you are going to paint it with DriLock, you don’t have to get every little piece off, just the loose stuff

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phrobot t1_ixbf5yc wrote

If you keep it wet, you won’t get much dust. But wear a respirator just in case. Then use oil based primer to cover any stains - I like Zinsser 123. Oil primer is super stinky, so again, protect your lungs, but it will cover and stick better than water based.

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crankshaft123 t1_ixbfvoo wrote

Zinnser 123 (the original formula) is white pigmented shellac. It is not oil based. That said, it's my go-to primer in most situations.

I'm not sure if it's appropriate for OP's block wall. He should probably consult the manufacturer before using it. Or at least read the label on the can.

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phrobot t1_ixbfukl wrote

On second thought, you could also just texture over the whole wall. Maybe mix water primer thick with drywall mud, and roll it on. You probably want to remove the electric box first. Depends on how thick the existing gunk is, but just covering might be way easier.

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Renfieldyouidiot t1_ixcxly6 wrote

Scrape off any loose paint and seal with 2 coats of zinsser peel stop. Then your top coats when it's dry.

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bfischer t1_ixdtvx7 wrote

Don’t know the age of your house but I would test the paint for lead first.

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BBNYC t1_ixctb4d wrote

Dynamite?

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88leo t1_ixbfmfs wrote

Rent a giant hammerdrill with chisel bit. Same thing you would use to bring up tile and grout off the floor. Will make short work of it and will be worth every cent.

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