skip to main content
Software
Integrations
Mobile App
Expert Support
All-In-One Platform for Construction and Design
See Pricing
Schedule a Demo
Talk to Sales: (888) 316-4595
My builder uses Houzz Pro to plan the timeline and give detailed estimates and daily updates with photos of progress, and provide invoices at pre-agreed key points in the build. This made the whole experience much more efficient and stress-free.
Steve W.
Client of Cribbs Construction
Learn More
Ideas
Discussions
Houzz TV
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore DiscussionsFeatured Home DiscussionsFeatured Garden Discussions
Before & After
lms_1209

Removing paint from slate tile, help!

12 years ago
This is our entryway and it is about 100 sq feet. The previous owners painted it a cream and it was yellow, dirty, and ugly. I thought the slate may have been damaged, but it is shaping up nicely, and in good condition.
I am attaching what is looked like when I was closer to the start and where I am now. Here is what I used so far:
--vinegar/water (not successful)
--zipstrip (successful but noxious)
--zipstrip and boiling water (resulted in a call to 911 due to the deadly fumes...I lost consciousness, stupid, I know)
--now I am using steel wool/boiling water (slow going, but no fumes, but the pads rust and get in the grout)

It is now mostly the edges that are left. Has anyone done something similar or have any tips. I got a quote for $1700, but I have better ways to use that. Thanks for your help/ideas! I don't know why anyone would have painted these tiles!
Featured Answer
  • 12 years ago
    Try a Scotch Brite pad and some St Marks cleaner. I used that in my entryway but I must admit I had wallpaint on the slate. I guess you paint must be more persistent. Otherwise, go to a slate/stone store to get some advice.

    Comments (30)

    • 12 years ago
      Post in advice area. Might get some responses! Good luck!
    • 12 years ago
      There is a product called brick cleaner ( think some kind of aci, though!) , might help?
    • 12 years ago
      Meant acid!
    • 12 years ago
      My painter took varnish off the slate in my beach house...positive he used something extremely caustic.
    • 12 years ago
      Thanks everyone... First time posting tried advice area on yur suggestion jolene, but it kept it here,
    • 12 years ago
      I have used Citrastrip to get paint and poly off of wood before with great sucess, might work in this application. It is still chemical in nature but smells like citrus and has far fewer fumes than the alternatives. Just be sure any residual chemicals are off before adding more (sorry to state the obvious). Good luck!
      lms_1209 thanked marniejo
    • 12 years ago
      I have the same problem. My whole downstairs is slate. I have wax buildup on ours from previous owners. Have tried everything. Hope you get an answer.
    • 12 years ago
      There is a product in the UK called Home Strip which works really well, I have used it to remove paint and varnish from stone fireplaces. If this US product is the same it should work, and it is non-toxic.
      http://www.ecosolveamericas.com/shop/category/homestrip/
    • 12 years ago
      Thanks Victoria! I just ordered this today when I saw something on YouTube. So, I'm glad to hear it worked for you and tifflarry, I will let you know if it works. I'm off to buy a wire stripping brush from lowes ( going through steel wool like crazy)
    • 12 years ago
      Bless your heart! My mom's house is full of rough cedar that the builders's wife painted......from where do these people come???
      lms_1209 thanked Julieann Simms
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      Rent a professional steam cleaner, the kind that public works uses for cleaning sidewalks.
    • 12 years ago
      I went to a janitorial store last week (as you can see, I tried everything!) I bought citrus storm, which sounds exactly light you describe, marniejo. I worked great for the last residual layer of paint, but not on the top layers---this stuff was on thick, and it seems like whenever it faded or got dirty, they kept applying coats (so I totally agree libberjuju---where do these people come from!) never considered the steam cleaner.... that's a great idea!
    • 12 years ago
      Beautiful tiles!! What were they thinking??? Looking forward to the 'After' photos!
    • 12 years ago
      Peel away is absolutely the best stripper I've ever used. Easiest and least noxious. And I've tried about every other kind. Though I've never stripped slate. What were they thinking?
      http://www.dumondchemicals.com/home-peel-away-1.html
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      100% acetone works very well for getting oil base paint off (might work
      For all paint but I have only used it on oil base)
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      Best 1700.00 you will ever spend if they can get really clean with no haze.
    • 12 years ago
      last modified: 12 years ago
      Thank you everyone: here it is with the job done, as much as I can do. Victoria, that product (from Eco solve America) was great. The residue and even thick patches came off. Instead of steel wool pads, I used a stripping stainless steel wool brush. As you can see the paint in the grout is there. My debate is whether to regrout myself or hire it done. It's a deceptively large space for being so small. Once done there, then I will seal it! Thanks again for all of your help!
    • 12 years ago
      That's the photo I tried to post
    • 12 years ago
      Looks great, I know that was a lot of work.
    • 10 years ago

      What is the name of this product, I have same problem with my slate flooring.

    • 9 years ago

      I had the same issue... 100% Acetone worked perfect!

    • 9 years ago

      I know this is an old thread but those of you that used acetone did you also use a wire brush with that or just soak it with cotton balls or what I just have splatters not full floor painting


    • PRO
      9 years ago

      The final product looks great! Glad you were able to complete it without hurting yourself to badly, sounds like the first couple cleaning ideas were a rough go!

      lms_1209 thanked User
    • 9 years ago

      "Goof-off" and steel wool. It works immediately.

    • 8 years ago

      Yikes!! I was thinking of painting some multi colored tile in our "beach House" . It is called French quarter. Was going to stencil it. After seeing this I wonder if I should. Lots of it.....over 1800sq ft. removal of the tile is about $8.sq ft!!! not including the new floor install... sad face

    • 8 years ago

      There is a british product you can order to not only paint brick where it can breath but they also have the grout stain to match. It is NOT paint , it stains the grout.

    • PRO
      8 years ago

      Glad to see the finished product came out so great, looks like it took a lot of hard work.

    • 8 years ago

      Thanks!!! It was a lot of work....


    • PRO
      8 years ago
      Hi, you could also use a buffing pad on an orbital sander. As slate is soft you will be able to sand it off the slate before you reseal. I have done a job for a client with a similar issue and we ended up using paint stripper followed by buffing the floor until no paint was left.
    Related Stories
    COLORPaint-Picking Help and Secrets From a Color Expert
    By Tiffany Carboni
    Advice for wall and trim colors, what to always do before committing and the one paint feature you should completely ignore
    Full Story
    85
    HOUZZ TOURSHouzz Tour: A Modern Loft Gets a Little Help From Some Friends
    By Mitchell Parker
    With DIY spirit and a talented network of designers and craftsmen, a family transforms their loft to prepare for a new arrival
    Full Story
    58
    REMODELING GUIDESInspiring Materials: Slate Tile
    By Debbie Snider
    Texture, Color and Strength Makes Slate a Go-To Material for Inside and Out
    Full Story
    46
    HOUSEKEEPINGHow to Remove Water Rings From Wood Tables
    By Bonnie McCarthy
    You may be surprised by some of these ideas for removing cloudy white water marks from wood surfaces
    Full Story
    87
    HOUSEKEEPINGThe Simple Way to Remove Wax From Candlesticks
    By Marianne Lipanovich
    Before you make a mess of things, read these easy steps for removing melted wax from your candlesticks
    Full Story
    42
    TILETop Tile Trends From the Coverings 2013 Show — the Wood Look
    By Becky Harris
    Get the beauty of wood while waving off potential splinters, rotting and long searches, thanks to eye-fooling ceramic and porcelain tiles
    Full Story
    221
    EXTERIORSHelp! What Color Should I Paint My House Exterior?
    By Jennifer Ott Design
    Real homeowners get real help in choosing paint palettes. Bonus: 3 tips for everyone on picking exterior colors
    Full Story
    93
    DECORATING GUIDESFrom the Pros: How to Paint Interior Walls
    By Vanessa Brunner
    A slapdash approach can lower a room's entire look, so open your eyes to this wise advice before you open a single paint can
    Full Story
    43
    COLORPick-a-Paint Help: How to Create a Whole-House Color Palette
    By Laura Gaskill
    Don't be daunted. With these strategies, building a cohesive palette for your entire home is less difficult than it seems
    Full Story
    123
    MOST POPULARFrom the Pros: How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets
    By Vanessa Brunner
    Want a major new look for your kitchen or bathroom cabinets on a DIY budget? Don't pick up a paintbrush until you read this
    Full Story
    152
    Sponsored
    Kuhns Contracting, Inc.
    Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars26 Reviews
    Central Ohio's Trusted Home Remodeler Specializing in Kitchens & Baths
    More Discussions
    wall waterproofing solution
    13
    I NEED A VISION, PLEASE HELP
    21
    Custom bathroom mirrors
    5
    Built in TV wall witth TV not centered
    6
    1928 room that has accumulated about a century of competing decisions
    13