Painting a concrete patio.

[troubleinwinter]

Well, the painting isn't the issue... it's removing the old paint.

Whoever painted this before used the wrong type of paint. I see three layers. Bottom is dark green (I think it was proper concrete paint, doesn't appear to be peeling). Above it is yellow, and above that is beige. The top two are peeling, and it even blisters up in wet weather.

My question is HOW TO REMOVE the paint so that it can be properly repainted. My father says "Well, ya can always use the old-time solution of lye mixed with water and flour to make a paste and brush it on." I asked if the lye would murder nearby plants, he said yes, but it can be neutralized with vinegar. Hmmm... sounds like a mess. I am sure there are chemical strippers, but I wonder about using a heat-gun?