# How much paint remover would it take to make the paint peel on the bottom of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 20, 2026, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060 "2026-06-20T20:21:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2026, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/42 "2026-06-22T16:15:47Z")
Ignoring the environmental aspects, paint stripper is a thin-film application, you don’t need a entire pool’s worth. Typical application is between 1/8 to 1/4 in. For the Lincoln Reflecting pool that comes to about 55,000 gallons, or 7-10 tanker truckloads. The lowest 55-gallon price I found was $1,417 per drum for a methylene-chloride-based semi-paste stripper, so about $1.41 million worth of paint stripper to cover the entire surface of the bottom of the pool, before you add on the transport and labor costs. Of course, in reality most of the paint will be mechanically removed, and by the looks of things that wont even be that difficult. The stuff is peeling off just fine on it’s own. Far less tripper will actually be needed to remove the stubborn bits. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2026, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/43 "2026-06-22T18:17:14Z")
Is there a physical way to remove the paint without using chemical stripper? I’m wondering about resurfacing the concrete base of the pool. Treat it as a construction project, not a painting project. Scrape off the top inch of the painted concrete, and then pour a new layer of concrete. Is this feasible? Or even without scraping off the old stuff. Just pour a new layer of cement on top of the blue-painted stuff. The pool is 2 feet deep, so adding a 3-inch layer of concrete would not be noticable. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2026, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/44 "2026-06-22T18:18:49Z")
> [@Dorjan](#): > > Of course, in reality most of the paint will be mechanically removed, and by the looks of things that wont even be that difficult. The stuff is peeling off just fine on it’s own. The reason for this thread is that paint stripper is alleged to be the reason for that peeling. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2026, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/45 "2026-06-22T18:19:21Z")
My understanding is that the concrete surface of the reflecting pool was unpainted prior to this current project. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2026, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/46 "2026-06-22T19:27:17Z")
Has the question been answered yet? A thread about Trump and strippers is too hard to resist. ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2026, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/47 "2026-06-22T20:12:52Z")
A: Paint strippers. Q: What did Toulouse-Lautrec do? (hat tip: Ronnie Corbett) ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2026, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/48 "2026-06-22T23:32:49Z")
> [@gnoitall](#): > > > [@aceplace57](#): > > > > I shudder to think of the toxicity of a pool full of paint stripper. > > I’m glad someone’s thinking of the ducklings. At least one duckling has not survived. > [@](#): > > Crews recently treated the pool with hydrogen peroxide to combat an algae bloom, raising questions about whether chemical exposure could have played a role, though experts say the compound is commonly used in water management. Others have pointed to the presence of blue‑green algae or cyanobacteria, which can produce toxins harmful to wildlife during blooms. Some experts note the duck’s death could also be due to natural causes such as disease, environmental stress or separation from its brood. > **[Dead duck found in Reflecting Pool: 3 potential causes](https://www.newsweek.com/dead-duck-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool-potential-causes-12104768)** > > The duckling's cause of death is still unclear amid concerns about water quality, chemical treatments, and environmental conditions. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2026, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/49 "2026-06-22T23:38:43Z")
> [@Dorjan](#): > > Ignoring the environmental aspects, paint stripper is a thin-film application, you don’t need a entire pool’s worth. The OP’s question is “If someone were dump a load of paint remover into the pool, how much would it take to do that?” ---
**Author:** ![Section\_Maker\_Jupe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/section_maker_jupe/32/1424_2.png) [@Section\_Maker\_Jupe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Section_Maker_Jupe)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/50 "2026-06-23T00:03:34Z")
Any stripper worth using is extremely toxic.. extremely expensive, plus disposal coasts. Mechanical grinding would work, down to fresh or stable concrete. Big job though. Also disposal costs. Ive resurfaced pools before, and getting a clean substrate to bond to is not easy. Any irregular areas trapping debris etc must be scoured out. There are waterproofing cemetious coatings that are brushed, sprayed or rolled on. That’s how pools are sealed. "Sika Thoroseal " is a well known brand. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/51 "2026-06-23T03:45:48Z")
> [@Princhester](#): > > The OP’s question is “If someone were dump a load of paint remover into the pool, how much would it take to do that?” But the actual question is (paraphrased) “how much paint stripper would it take to raise the concentration in the pool to be high enough to strip the paint”. The OP even gave the dimensions of the pool, if they were just looking for the volume, presumable they could’ve figured it out on their own, and chemistry not being their strong suit wouldn’t come into play. They also followed up with asking if someone dumping a tanker truck into the pool in the middle of the night would be enough. My WAG is that the real question is “Is it even possible for someone to add enough paint stripper to the pool to do this much damage without being noticed?”. IOW, would doing this take one tanker truck or 50 tanker trucks. ---
**Author:** ![Princhester](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Princhester](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Princhester)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/52 "2026-06-23T04:20:05Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > But the actual question is (paraphrased) “how much paint stripper would it take to raise the concentration in the pool to be high enough to strip the paint”. Yes, I know. That’s why I was pointing out to @Dorjan that noting that paint stripper is a thin-film application was not apt. ---
**Author:** ![penultima\_thule](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/penultima_thule/32/3833_2.png) [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/53 "2026-06-23T05:27:08Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > But the actual question is (paraphrased) “how much paint stripper would it take to raise the concentration in the pool to be high enough to strip the paint”. Of course the plus side to applying that concentration of paint stripper is that it would certainly kill off the algae … along with any other lifeform that happened to fall into the pool. ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/54 "2026-06-23T12:07:31Z")
I assume they didn’t actually test the water for the presence of any kind of paint stripper? In fact, I’m surprised they didn’t drain it before they announced that ‘theory’ since I’m guessing people with access to labs probably grabbed samples to test on their own. Not that the Trump admin wouldn’t just make up BS results while saying the independent labs not only lied about there not being anything in it, they also need to be arrested and investigated for stealing the water and doing illegal tests on it. And, similarly, given that they accused someone from the left of adding something to the water, I further assume they have no camera footage of it happening or we’d have seen it by now. I suppose these two assumptions go hand in hand. I’m WAGing any chemical they claimed to find would likely need to be in concentrations high enough that, and I know it’s what the thread is about, it would be noticed on camera. That is, this wasn’t caused by someone dumping a few water bottles worth of chemicals into the pool. Add this to the list of things the next, non-MAGA president can promise to restore as part of their campaign. I would imagine, on the list of items that need to be repaired/restored, this’ll be one of cheaper things. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/55 "2026-06-23T12:14:22Z")
Since the question seems to have been answered (couldn’t be done in any practical sense without essentially replacing the water with paint stripper), I propose another FQ answer: It takes no paint remover to remove the paint peel on the bottom of the reflecting pool, if the paint job was done in a shoddy fashion by a crony given a no-bid contract. Factually speaking, the paint is removing itself, due to poor workmanship. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/56 "2026-06-23T12:57:37Z")
[Moderating] > [@Joey\_P](#): > > Not that the Trump admin wouldn’t just make up BS results while saying the independent labs not only lied about there not being anything in it, they also need to be arrested and investigated for stealing the water and doing illegal tests on it. And another one. Again, this is not the place to get in digs against Trump. And so this is another Warning. ---
**Author:** ![md-2000](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9d8465/32.png) [@md-2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/md-2000)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/57 "2026-06-23T17:45:10Z")
> [@Joey\_P](#): > > I assume they didn’t actually test the water for the presence of any kind of paint stripper? Would the results have been compromised by chemicals from the fresh paint, assuming the discussion upthread about thinners being same as in the paint itself, for some paints? How long did it dry before being flooded? ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/58 "2026-06-23T22:40:14Z")
> [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](#): > > A: Paint strippers. > > Q: What did Toulouse-Lautrec do? > > (hat tip: Ronnie Corbett) That would have worked as a Carnac the Magnificent bit. ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2026, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/59 "2026-06-23T22:53:24Z")
It was part of a sketch featuring a game show contestant who specialized in answering the question before the one he’d just been asked: [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/QRhyc56aVb0/maxresdefault.jpg "The Two Ronnies - Mastermind Sketch") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRhyc56aVb0) (Hijack over) ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/60 "2026-06-25T20:46:45Z")
I donno about paint strippers… I wonder if it would soak into the concrete underneath (once the pool is drained), and make it imposible to paint. I have not seen this mess first hand, and people that try to look at it are being arrested. But once the pool is drained perhaps VERY high pressure washers. The stuff is already falling off. But then the concrete will have to really dry. ---
**Author:** ![RitterSport](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rittersport/32/6326_2.png) [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2026, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060/61 "2026-06-25T20:50:59Z")
Is this topic answered enough that I can ask a related question? I understand that when the president’s car drove over the pool, it might have done some real damage – does anyone know the straight dope on that? Could that be the source of some of the peeling? I’ll report my post so that a moderator can hide this if it’s too off-topic, or this FQ is still not sufficiently answered. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-paint-remover-would-it-take-to-make-the-paint-peel-on-the-bottom-of-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool/1031060.md?page=4)