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Penetrating sealer seeps into concrete pores to protect it from moisture and staining, cracking, and mold caused by water. This means you cannot remove penetrating sealers like topical sealers. The good news is that penetrating sealant doesn’t have to be removed before resealing, as most topical sealers must. Instead, you’ll want to buy a compatible penetrating sealant (often the same kind already in the concrete) and apply it. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

You can apply waterproofing over paint, but you won't get as much protection as you would if you painted the surface with a waterproof paint from the get-go. Not all waterproofing methods are compatible with painted surfaces, and they may not adhere well. This is especially true if the paint is glossy, old, or flaking. Waterproofing sealers are primarily meant to be applied to porous surfaces, like concrete, wood, or brick. 

Most spray paints are oil-based, meaning you will need a solvent to dissolve them, like paint thinner, lacquer thinner, or acetone. While solvents can be useful in removing paint, they are also very flammable and require the use of a respirator. Beyond that, these products may smear paint and cannot be used on all surfaces.

It’s best to use a slightly slower-working paint remover that is safer to use, such as mineral spirits, because the strongest spray paint removers are often also the most toxic. Many of these products contain dangerous chemicals, such as methylene chloride, which the EPA banned for most uses in April 2024 after it was established as a major carcinogen.