Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Mar 18, 1999 02:56am | #1

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   Peel Away paint remover. Expensive but great!

   Or just use carbide tipped scrappers. Tedious though

2. 
   j._callahan | Mar 18, 1999 03:25am | #2

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   I have used paint stripper followed by light pressure washing with good results.It may take several applications of paint stripper to get the desired results. Go easy with the pressure washer so that the brick and mortar are not damaged. Wear protective gear and eye protection and lay a tarp to catch the paint peelings. It's a rotten job and methylene chloride is nasty stuff. Another method which I prefer is to use a sand blaster, using ground walnut shells instead of sand. Use low air pressure to start off (35-40psi). Increase the air pressure gradually but be careful, at high pressures it is easy to destroy the brick and mortar. These methods are ok as long as the brick is hard fired. On older, softer brick there are companies that make restoration chemicals specifically for cleaning old brick. I have never used them but I imagine they are pretty pricey. Start in an inconspicuous area, and just do a small section no matter what method you use just in case there are problems.Good Luck!

1. 
   philip_watkins | Mar 18, 1999 09:26am | #3

   *Dan if the paint stripper doesn't work you can try xylene.This stuff should do the trick but it blistersyour hands .Good luck

3. 
   Dan_Hesseltine | Mar 18, 1999 09:26am | #4

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   What is the best method for removing a thin coat of water based paint on my brick house, without damaging the mortar joints or making the brick face look like a building in Sarajevo? I've tried a light pressure wash, and it worked well in areas where the paint was extremly thin. What chemical or solution could I add to the washer, or pre-soak the brick with, to losen the paint? Save me from doing 15 different test shots.