The white paint around the edges is where the builders sprayed primer on the walls and baseboard and spilled a few globs in the process. The dirt just looks like construction /drywall dirt along with dirt that fell in the cracks over the years.
How do you remove textured paint from concrete?
A deeper look at how to remove paint from concrete
- Give the concrete surface a deep cleaning and allow it to dry. …
- Apply a paint stripper. …
- Give the paint stripper some time to set. …
- Scrub the surface. …
- Follow up the scrubbing with a power wash. …
- Repeat the process as necessary until all the paint is removed.
Why is my cement turning white?
As moisture absorbs into the concrete and then evaporates out, it carries calcium salts with it. When salt reaches the surface, it reacts with CO2 in the air to form insoluble calcium carbonate. This carbonate has a white appearance. Although this process is natural, it can easily be cleaned up.
How do you remove texture from a concrete floor?
Scrub any sheetrock mud residue using the steel sponge and soapy water, or the rough side of a two-sided dish sponge for polished concrete floors. You may have to let the muddy residue soak for a few minutes before it can be completely removed.
Why does my concrete still look wet?
The culprits of blotchy concrete after sealing
The sealer was applied poorly. Not enough sealer was applied. The concrete itself had varying absorption rates.
What is the white powder on my concrete floor?
Efflorescence is the white powdery substance on the surfaces of unsealed concrete and the white blush seen with sealed floors. Efflorescence is caused by vapor migrating through the slab bringing soluble salts to the surface of the concrete.
Is efflorescence a serious problem?
Ultimately, efflorescence itself isn’t dangerous. However, it can lead to potential moisture problems that can cause structural damage to building materials. That means if you find efflorescence in the basement or on concrete and other structures, it’s important to take action.
What is concrete mottling?
Mottled concrete is irregular shapes of different shades of white- gray to gray-black. These blotches are restricted to the surface, normally only 1/32″ to 1/8″ deep. They can diminish over time but usually are permanent. The concrete is almost always sound and meets specification.
What is concrete efflorescence?
Efflorescence appears as a white deposit of mineral salts on face of concrete walls and/or floors. Efflorescence usually appears in underground car park areas and other subfloor areas. Efflorescence is driven by hydrostatic pressure – the pressure exerted by moisture as it moves through concrete to the lowest point.
Why does my concrete look rocky?
If you use too much water, the concrete will be rocky, pitted, weak and prone to cracks. Too little water kills workability. If you use too little water, the concrete will be impossible to work with. You won’t be able to float it properly of tamp the stones down.
What is the white fuzzy stuff on my concrete basement floor?
Efflorescence is actually a harmless crystallized mineral salt that has formed on your basement walls over time. It will generally look like a white, powdery substance. It’s also commonly found on floors. In cases where moisture bubbles up from your basement floor, it may even resemble a white “foam” on your floors.
How do you remove white residue from concrete?
Buy an Acid-Based Efflorescence Cleaner
The white residue on the surface of new concrete can be removed only with an acidic cleaner. Given enough time, acid rain can clean the majority of white concrete stains, but many homeowners do not wish to wait to remove the problem.
Does efflorescence go away?
In many cases, efflorescence will disappear on its own over time (usually after the first year of a paver or retaining wall installation). Efflorescence can also be removed with special cleaners like the Gator Efflorescence Cleaner. On average, you should wait about 60 days before applying an efflorescence cleaner.
How do you stop efflorescence on concrete floors?
To help prevent efflorescence, V-SEAL should be sprayed anywhere brick, mortar or cement will be exposed to water. For example, applying V-SEAL before any exterior below grade coating or elastomeric membrane, will aid and greatly retard any chance of efflorescence in the future.
What does efflorescence look like?
Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of salts often seen on brick, concrete, paving stones, stucco, or other building surfaces. It occurs when water leaves behind salt deposits on or in the masonry surface. It has a white or grey tint and can also appear as a powdery substance on floors or walls.
How do I permanently remove efflorescence?
Spray a solution of vinegar and water on the brick and scrub it with a brush. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the surface and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, spray the bricks with the mixture again and use a stiff brush to scrub away the efflorescence.
Does vinegar get rid of efflorescence?
Vinegar and water solution—Efflorescence can be removed by using a dilute solution of household white vinegar and water. A vinegar and water solution is relatively inexpensive, non-toxic, and easy to obtain, mix and apply. Dilution ratio is 20–50% vinegar in water by volume.
How can you tell the difference between white mold and efflorescence?
How Do You Know Which It Is?
- Efflorescence dissolves in water, while mold does not.
- If rubbed between your fingers, efflorescence turns powdery. Mold does not.
- Mold can be any color, but is often black or gray. …
- Efflorescence develops on inorganic building materials, like concrete and brick.
