Removing paint
from a brick wall is definitely an easy task.
Brick are very porous which means that they absorb the paint. Taking
this into consideration it is still worth time and effort it takes to remove
the paint as the end result is a natural red brick wall that is always in
style. There are a few different ways to
remove paint from bricks. The fastest way involves sandblasting or pressure
washing. These methods are not
recommended if you want to preserve the bricks.
It would be better for follow the method I have outlined in the steps
below.
You will need
the following items:
- Paint remover in gel or paste form
- Pieces/strips of old fabric
- Bristle brush
Firstly clean
the wall with hot, soapy water and bristle brush. You will need to scrub as much dirt and
stains off the wall as you can. Rinse
with a hose if the wall is outside, or a rag and clean water if inside. Let the wall dry completely. If the wall is indoors, try to ventilate the
area as much as possible, as many paint removers have a strong scent.
Prepare the
paint remover following the directions on the package. Use a paintbrush to dab it generously onto
the bricks. Work from top to bottom in
one-foot square sections. Place a piece
of fabric over the paint remover and press it gently into the bricks. The paint removal
solution will soften and soak into the material. Once the fabric is saturated, slowly peel off
the brick and the paint will come with it.
Continue to do
this until the entire wall has been stripped of as much paint as possible. You may have small areas of paint
remaining. Dab these areas again with
the solution and let it sit for ten minutes.
You can then use the brush to scrub the remaining paint off the
bricks. Rinse the wall clean of the
paint removal solution using cold clean water.
Now all this may
seem like a long and arduous task and you may want to call in a professional
brick cleaning company to save you time.
There is a very reputable company called Brick Clean based in London who
has many years experience in brick cleaning. Visit their website www.brickcleanlondon.co.uk to see
the numerous services they have to offer with regards to paint removal and
cleaning bricks.
