What is the best way to remove paint drips on brick? Pressure washing? Sand Blasting? Paint Remover? Liquid or Gel?
Dried paint can be removed from brick exteriors, but some of the ways recommended are too harsh, and not suitable for older brick homes. The two options usually recommended are sandblasting and power-washing the bricks to remove dried paint. This will usually do the job of getting the paint off the bricks, but may also damage the bricks in the process. What you should be using is a gel based paint remover. These are usually all natural paint removers.
Pressure washing can erode the surface of the bricks. The chemicals used in pressure washing can even change the color of older bricks. Because bricks are porous, even a light power-washing can force moisture through the surface of the brick. The moisture could freeze if you power wash when the weather is still cold, leaving you with totally damaged bricks.
Harsh methods of paint removal can damage even new bricks. New bricks can be damaged by power washing or sandblasting. This can leave the surfaces with tiny cracks, which can cause damage by letting the moisture seep into the brick. Older bricks are even more fragile. Old clay bricks have a hard skin, created by the heat firing process. Harsh paint removal methods can damage this skin, leaving the brick unprotected from the elements. If you have need to remove dried paint from bricks, there is a simple, safe way to do this using a gel paint remover.
A gel paint remover is the least likely to damage old or historic bricks. Especially when trying to remover very old paint, (before 1970) you must keep in mind the paint is most likely lead based. You don’t want to use a strong chemical type liquid paint remover, as it will send all those fumes into the air.
SoyGel is one of the brands of all natural paint removers in the gel form that I recommend. Here is the description:
SoyGel is a safe industrial strength and consumer friendly paint, varnish, and urethane remover made with 100% American grown soybeans. It is non-flammable, non-caustic, nearly odorless and is effective on wood, concrete, stone, brick and metal surfaces. The low evaporation rate of SoyGel and its gel formulation make it possible to remove several layers of paint in one application. During the removal of lead based paint, lead becomes encapsulated in the gel, preventing airborne lead particles, allowing for safe and easy disposal. SoyGel does not discolor nor raise the grain of wood. The gel formula also allows for use on vertical and horizontal surfaces. SoyGel contains no methylene chloride, is not an alkaline based stripper and cleans up easily with water. Unlike more traditional paint strippers SoyGel lets you work without the odor. Indoors or outdoors, you can be guaranteed a safe restoration process with SoyGel.”
A gel based paint remover will adhere to the surface of the bricks, due to its consistency, and will not run off. This can be used either horizontally or vertically. A gel paint remover works best on old, hardened paint, though several applications may be necessary.
I have heard that you could use WD40 to remove dried on paint from bricks, but I wouldn’t recommend it on historical or old bricks. For more information, and to see our historical porch restoration in progress check out Majestic Home Services.
Reference:
- This Old House.com
