How can I clean latex paint off of treated lumber (my deck) and brick (my patio)?

barbara53,

Thanks for your question.  As someone who has spilled his share or
paint, I can tell you that latex paint is one of the more difficult to
remove, though it can be done.  To remove paint from your deck, your
best option is to get a heat gun and peel the latex paint off of the
wood.  As the paint bubbles up from the heat, you can then scrape it
off.  It may be time consuming, depending on how much paint there is,
but it will do the best job.  There are also commercial products
available that will remove latex paint.  Goof Off,
http://www.goof-off.com/goofoff/PRODUCTS/goofoff.html, Peel Away 6,
http://www.peelaway.com/html/peelaway.htm, and Ready Strip, all claim
to remove dried latex paint.  However, if you do try one of these
products, be sure and do a test area before wide spread application.
They all say they won't discolor the wood, but it is always better to
be safe than sorry.

Another option is to simply sand the paint off.  While this may be
your best bet for the brick areas that are stained, again, depending
on how much you need to remove and if you have a power sander, it
could end up being labor intensive and, if the lumber is stained, you
may sand off some of the stain.  You may want to start with a coarse
to medium grit sandpaper, between 60 and 100 grit, on the brick.  Then
a medium grit on the deck, moving to a finer grit as the paint wears
down to the wood and you get closer to the paint.  You can also
combine the heat removal with the sanding as the larger spots will
come up fairly easy with the heat gun, then a fine grit sandpaper to
get the little spots.

As one who has been in your position, I wish you luck in getting your
deck and porch cleaned up.  I hope the above information has been
helpful.  If you need any additional clarification, please let me know
prior to rating my answer and I will do my best to help.

Regards,

-THV

Search Strategy
removing latex paint

References:
personal knowledge

Removing Latex Paint
http://www.paintstore.com/drpaint/archives/952.html

Bob Vila
http://www.bobvila.com/wwwboard/messages/11583.html

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Request for Answer Clarification by barbara53-ga on 28 Jan 2003 20:47 PST

Thanks for your extremely prompt response!  But, I am wondering if
sanding treated lumber will expose me, my pets, or the wildlife around
to the toxins in the wood (is it arsenic?).  -Barbara53

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Clarification of Answer by tar_heel_v-ga on 28 Jan 2003 21:32 PST

Hello again, barbara..

If you visit http://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=135737
you will see an answer I posted regarding pressure treated wood. 
Should you decide to sand the wood, you should wear a dust mask and
protective gloves.  Actually, whenever sanding any type of wood, you
should wear a dust mask.  By sanding the paint down, you will not be
running the sand paper on the wood that much, but still take
precautions.  You can see more information on handling and working
with pressure treated wood at
http://www.acza.com/safety/csis-english.html.  Whichever method you
decide to use on your deck, wear gloves and a dust mask for safety.

I hope this helps clarify your needs.  If you need any additional
information, please let me know.

Regards,

-THV

Fantastic!  I got an answer within an hour, even though it was late at
night!  The researcher gave much helpful information and his or her
clarification included an excellent reference link.  No regrets for
spending $25.

You could rent a high pressure washer if you have a large area, but
you MUST be safe, ie protective glasses,gloves,knowing all the dangers
ect.

Barbara..

Thanks so much for the kind words, the rating and your generous tip. 
I am glad you are pleased with your results.  Good luck in removing
that paint!

Regards,

-THV