How to remove paint from bricks?

[hessian86]

We have just moved into our new house, and are starting to renovate, however the previous owners got paint on the external bricks. Is there a way to remove this old paint without discolouring or damaging the bricks. It’s very obvious and ugly in a number of places! 

 

[EricL]

Hello @hessian86 

There are a few possible ways to remove the paint from your brick wall. First, you can use a chemical paint stripper, however there is the possibility that it will stain the brick and strip it of its natural colour as well. If it used too close to the timber trim it could strip the paint off it as well. Next is sanding the paint off with sandpaper, this would be least invasive as you can control how deeply you sand. If sanded too severely you'll start going into the bricks natural colour and it will look brighter than the surrounding brick. The final method is to use a wire wheel, this is the quickest way to strip the paint but also the most damaging. If you use the wheel excessively it will start eating into the brick.

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their recommendations.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when working on your project.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @hessian86 

Well @EricL has suggested the first two ways that I would try removing the paint, chemicaly and then a wire brush attachment on a drill. 😕 Both have a fair chance of at the very least discoloring the bricks.

I did think of a third option tho.

I can see the trim you have against the bricks. How about replacing that trim with wider trim that covers the dodgy paint job? Just pre-paaint your new trim The existing trim will probarly be only tacket on with some small bullet head nails so should be easy enough to remove. Please not tho, if you do one door/window then you will probarly have to go around the house to make them all the same 😕

Even removing the trim first before having a go at removing the paint may be an idea.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @hessian86 

I would go this wire-wheel in your drill. It's easy to use and will get in tight to the edge. Use high-speed but lightly on the surface. Ensure you wear gloves and eye protection as the wires can fly off. 

Nailbag