Ways To Remove Paint From Outdoor Brick
Old paint can ruin the look of your home's exterior masonry, even if it's just a few splatters from the last time the trim was painted. It's possible to remove the paint so you can let the natural beauty of the brick show.
Preparation:
No matter which method you choose for paint removal, you will need to prepare the brick first. Follow these steps.
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Put on safety equipment. This includes long gloves, eye protection and a respirator mask if you will be using chemical removal. At minimum, you will need a dust mask so you don't inhale the paint dust.
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Scrape off any loose, flaking or bubbling paint with a flat putty knife.
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Scrub the wall with a solution of one part bleach mixed with three parts cold water. This kills any fungus on the painted surfaces.
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Let the brick dry completely after a thorough scrubbing.
Option #1: Paint Peeler
A paint peeler formulated for brick and masonry surfaces is one of the simpler choices. The peeler is caustic, so you will need to familiarize yourself with all the safety precautions on the package, and you will also need to keep the product off of nearby plants.
Peelers usually require dilution, which is indicated on the label. After application, you may need to cover them with a special stripping paper, which ensures the peeler soaks into the paint without drying. After waiting the length of time indicated on the label, the paint should simply peel off. Peelers remain active even after paint removal, so you will also need to apply a neutralizing chemical to the masonry once the paint is gone.
Option 2: Paint Stripper
Regular paint stripper can remove paint from masonry, but you will need to work in small areas because it dries quickly. Simply apply the caustic stripper, wait until the paint begins to bubble, and then scrape it off with your putty knife. Like paint peelers, strippers can burn your skin and kill nearby plants.
Option 3: Mechanical Removal
Mechanical removal is usually done with sandblasting. This requires a professional that is experienced with cleaning masonry, otherwise the force of the sand can damage the masonry. The mortar will likely require repairs afterward.
A heat gun is a DIY option for mechanical removal. Use the gun to heat and loosen small sections of paint, and then scrape or peel it off. Heat guns will release heavy fumes from the paint, so you must wear a respirator mask like you would with chemical removal products.
Before attempting paint removal, have the paint tested to make sure it doesn't contain lead. If the paint does contain lead, professional masonry cleaning is a safer choice.
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