If your once-white driveway is now a frustrating, spotty orange, you may be looking for methods of rust removal from concrete. Unlike stripping paint off of concrete, rust is a bit trickier as the concrete tends to absorb the rust color more than it does paint.

Your best option is to work with a highly acidic substance known as muriatic acid. The end result will be the stripping of a thin layer of concrete away, lifting the ugly tint with it.

Then Follow These Steps

1. Suit up: Make sure you have excellent rubber gloves, boots, and junk clothes that will cover your skin. Additionally, you will want to wear a respirator, as muriatic acid produces acidic vapors. If any acid makes contact with your skin, wash it off immediately.

2. Mix acid with water according to package directions. Always pour the acid into the water instead of water into acid.

3. Using a long-handled floor brush, apply the acid mixture to the desired area. The area will bubble. Give it about five minutes to work on the concrete. Apply more as necessary.

4. Once the stain is removed, use a fresh bucket of water to remove all traces of acid. The concrete will be a bit rougher than the surrounding area, but that will not hurt it.

5. Dispose of the remaining acid mixture according to package directions. Remove safety gear and shower in order to ensure you do not sustain acid burns.

6. To prevent rust stains in the future, seal the concrete with a concrete sealant. This will stop moisture and metallic elements from penetrating the surface.

Feeling Lost?

If you are concerned that the task of rust removal from concrete might be either too time-consuming or too dangerous for your comfort level, let an expert handle it. TalkLocal can find a qualified handyman in your area at no cost to you. Our service is fast and easy, and you will be speaking with a local professional in no time.