How To Remove Paint From Brickwork
If you’re looking to restore your brickwork by removing old paint, you’ve landed on the right page. Whether it’s shifting unwanted graffiti, bringing back the original brick look or preparing the surface for a new coat, in this article we’ll explain how to remove old paint from a brick wall.
When painting a brick wall, it’s common to use masonry paint. That’s because it’s the most durable and is specially designed to withstand outdoor elements, whether that’s strong sunlight or heavy rainfall.
That said, it can be tricky to remove. That’s because most bricks are porous, meaning they soak up the paint, especially if the brickwork has a rough surface finish or no pre-treatment prior to painting. However, with the right tools and know-how we can help you get the job done right!
Tools You Need to Remove Paint from Brick
Step 1: Protect Your Surroundings
Start by preparing the area around your brickwork. Cover the floor and any nearby surfaces with plastic sheets to protect them from the paint stripper. If you happen to be working indoors, make sure you keep the room well-ventilated as fumes from the paint stripper may be toxic.
Step 2: Apply Paint Stripper
Using a paint brush or a sponge, apply the paint stripper generously to the painted brick surface. The consistency of paint stripper is usually quite thick, so it should adhere well to the brickwork.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and allow the stripper to sit for the recommended time, this is usually anywhere between 15-60 minutes. Take your time and ensure that all the painted brick is covered as this is what breaks down the paint making it easy to remove.
Step 3: Scrape Away the Paint Stripper & Paint
Once the paint stripper has had time to work its magic, use a paint scraper or putty knife to gently scrape away the thick layer of paint stripper, the unwanted paint should easily come away with it.
Start at one edge of the brick and work your way across, being careful not to damage the surface of the brick. For stubborn areas, you can reapply the paint stripper and let it sit for a little longer.
Step 4: Scrub the Surface to Remove Last Remaining Paint
Once most of the paint has been scraped off, use a wire brush or scrubbing brush to remove any last remnants, usually in the crevices and holes of the brickwork. This step will help restore the texture of the brick and ensure all the paint has been removed.
In the event that several coats of paint were applied, you may need to repeat the above process to remove all the layers.
Step 5: Clean the Brickwork
Once you’re happy that all the paint has been removed, it’s a good idea to give the brickwork a thorough wash to shift any residual paint stripper and dirt.
To do this, simply wash the brick surface with warm water mixed with a mild detergent. Scrub the brick with a sponge or rag to ensure it's clean and free of any leftover chemicals. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap and residue.
Step 6: Allow the Brick to Dry
Once the brick is clean, allow it to dry completely before applying any new treatments or paint. This may take several hours, depending on weather conditions.
