Remove Paint from exterior brick

Discussion in 'Builders' Talk' started by Markbebbs, Oct 26, 2017.

  1. Markbebbs

    Markbebbs New Member

    Hi

    Someone painted the outside of our new house with black paint. Tried a bit of paint stripper and a wire brush but didn't move it. I was thinking brick acid might work. Anyone used it for paint removal or got any other tips?

    thanks
     
  2. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Have used used Feb Brickclean to remove paint, found it pretty good.
    Most brick cleaners are acid based cleaner, & can discolour some bricks,so do a test area,& wear eye protection & gloves.

    http://www.everbuild.co.uk/brickclean
     
    Markbebbs likes this.
  3. fostyrob

    fostyrob Screwfix Select

    What type of paint is it? Not bitumen?
    If the brick cleaner doesn't work you could try a wire wheel on a drill.
     
  4. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    More likely gloss, or a can of car spray paint,is what oiks are using around here.
    If emulsion, then a pressure washer will remove it.
     
  5. Markbebbs

    Markbebbs New Member

    ah, it's not been vandalised but the previous owners painted the front half of the house with back paint. It looks like a tick black gloss.
     
  6. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    :eek:

    Got a photo.:)
     
  7. Don't use brick acid for the reasons said above - it'll attack the bricks but not the paint.

    Paint stripper should remove it, tho' you may need to experiment with different types. I understand there's a 'gel' type you brush on and then cover with a sheet to keep it from drying out - it then gets to work over a longer period of time.

    What's your ultimate aim - to get back to clean bare brick? If so, anticipate also having to possibly lightly sand-blast the brick to remove the final traces, or possibly a chemical clean (like brick acid, but in a controlled way) or summat.

    Is simply repainting it a more acceptable colour an alternative?



    (A cheeky way is to contact companies who do this sort of work and get them out for quotes. If their prices are not acceptable, you might still pick up of the best way to have the job done... And if you do decide to use them, then at least you'll know the results will be guaranteed)
     
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  8. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Paint stripper can also discolour bricks.
     
  9. Markbebbs

    Markbebbs New Member

    Hi - ultimate aim is to take it back to bare brick. I was hoping a strong solution of brick acid - 30% hydrochloric acid might work, but I'm thinking of trying something called Peel away which is the stripper you mention that you cover with a sheet. I think whatever I use the job will be a nightmare.
     
  10. Markbebbs

    Markbebbs New Member

    7472_102495004868_IMG_01_0000_max_656x437.jpg
    7472_102495004868_IMG_01_0000_max_656x437.jpg
     
  11. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Bluddy hell!:eek:

    Try a hot air gun, might work, then follow up with brick cleaner.

    Are you going to eventually paint wall cream as above.

    What that on left chimney?:confused:
     
  12. Markbebbs

    Markbebbs New Member

    Yer, we're renovating it to sell on and It's more like a tree than a bush :) I'd not thought about a hot air gun. next doors is just bare brick and looks good so ideally we want to leave it as bare brick.
     
  13. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Thought it was bush, but no it can't be.:eek:

    Hot air gun might work very well,then follow up with the brick cleaner, & don't forget you can dilute brick cleaner,so you could start with weak mix & work up to something stronger.

    There always plan B, strip it & then paint to match cream paint.:D
     
  14. WillyEckerslike

    WillyEckerslike Screwfix Select

    Can't make it out properly but it looks like a buddleia. Very quick to colonise waste ground and to exploit cracks and faults in paving and brickwork.
     
    Markbebbs likes this.
  15. Isitreally

    Isitreally Super Member

    Just over paint it, its not as if it stands out from the neighbouring properties.

    The forest on the roof is another thing though and has to go. :p:p
     
    KIAB likes this.
  16. Markbebbs

    Markbebbs New Member

    thanks for replies everyone. I also had a quote to sandblast it off yesterday for £450.
     

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