How to remove old paint from statues

Statues are art sculptures that are enjoyed by many in homes and gardens. Concrete and resin are two of the most common materials used to make statues. Paint removal from concrete is commonly achieved by power washing or sandblasting. Though acetone is frequently used to remove paint from resin, the statue can be damaged by the harsh chemical. Instead of these techniques, Simple Green and chemical paint remover for concrete are effective alternatives to restore the beauty to a statue.

Place statue in jar with mixture of Simple Green and water (1:1 ratio). If statue is too large to be placed in a jar, apply mixture liberally with paintbrush. Allow to sit for at least 24 hours.

Remove any paint that has been lifted by the Simple Green. Use brushes of an appropriate size to reach all crevices. Rinse statue with water and inspect for remnants of paint.

Repeat steps 1 & 2 if necessary to remove additional paint.

Scrub the statue with a coarse brush to remove any loose pieces of paint.

Apply soy-based paint remover with a brush. Use a generous amount, covering all areas of the paint. Soy removers do not work as fast as harsher chemical options, apply liberally to shorten result time.

Wipe soy-based paint remover from statue with rag. Rinse with water and inspect areas for remaining paint.

Repeat steps 1 to 3 if necessary.