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Best way to get paint off of a boulder

Original Post
Marcus B · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2022 · Points: 0

I've recently discovered a boulder along a beach where I live that looks like it could be made into some great routes. The problem is that the city more than a decade ago painted the entire rock. The paint is really old and and the city has not maintained it (chipping/grimy/completely come off in certain areas). I have permission to remove the paint, but I am not sure what would be best to use. 

For more information, the boulder is granite and not located near any amenities (piping/electricity). Any suggestions or help to clean the paint off would be greatly appreciated.

Salamanizer Ski · · Off the Grid… · Joined Sep 2005 · Points: 19,198

Pressure washer. 35000 psi or more. Gas powered. 150 gallon water tank in the back of a truck fed by a gas powered pump.

Elbo grease won’t do it, and neither will chemicals. 

Jaaron Mankins · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2020 · Points: 0

Elephant Snot and pressure washer should do the trick.

Dan D · · Boulder, CO · Joined May 2021 · Points: 11

How do you two expect him to use a pressure washer without water? 

Jaaron Mankins · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Dec 2020 · Points: 0
Dan D wrote:

How do you two expect him to use a pressure washer without water? 

No water but he’s along the beach?  How’s that without water?  

Bolting Karen · · La Sal, UT · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 56

Elephant snot should work without any pressure for the water. It just needs to be MILDLY agitated with a brush once when applying and after sitting for a few minutes. Elephant snot is not environmentally harmful but the paint is so have a clean up plan. You don’t want that paint going right back into the water. 

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Bouldering
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