How to Take Paint Off Brick
Make sure that you have all of the supplies that you will need., Determine the type of paint on the brick (latex or alkyd/oil-base)., Using an old paint brush or sponge, saturate the painted area you're working on., Have a look at the paint and once...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Make sure that you have all of the supplies that you will need.
They are listed below. , You will need to use different removal methods for both.
If you're unsure, put some nail-polish remover with acetone on a rag.
Rub the paint with the nail polish remover and see if it removes the paint.
If it does, it's a latex paint.
If not, it's an alkyd paint. , Don't cover an area larger than you can work on in 10 minutes
- the paint remover will evaporate and you'll have to start all over again., Take off as much as you can a while the paint is still loose, and if there is still some paint left saturate the area again with the paint remover and repeat the above steps until all the paint is removed.,, Since brick is porous, there may still be an odor of paint remover left in the brick once you are finished.
It should dissipate in a few days.
If not, it can be neutralized by scrubbing the brick with a mixture of water and vinegar., You can usually tell by the age
- if the brick is the newer than 40 years old, the chances are that it is actually stamped concrete, not clay brick.
Concrete brick tends to be rougher looking and will have some visible aggregate in the brick, whereas a clay brick is solid in color.
Concrete will be more porous than clay brick, which is baked in a kiln. -
Step 2: Determine the type of paint on the brick (latex or alkyd/oil-base).
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Step 3: Using an old paint brush or sponge
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Step 4: saturate the painted area you're working on.
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Step 5: Have a look at the paint and once it begins to come up/flake off
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Step 6: start to scrub it off with the wire brush.
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Step 7: Always keep the room well ventilated when using any paint removers - most are flammable and the fumes are toxic.
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Step 8: Wait out the smell.
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Step 9: Depending on the age of brick you're working on
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Step 10: it may actually be stamped and colored concrete
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Step 11: not a clay brick.
Detailed Guide
They are listed below. , You will need to use different removal methods for both.
If you're unsure, put some nail-polish remover with acetone on a rag.
Rub the paint with the nail polish remover and see if it removes the paint.
If it does, it's a latex paint.
If not, it's an alkyd paint. , Don't cover an area larger than you can work on in 10 minutes
- the paint remover will evaporate and you'll have to start all over again., Take off as much as you can a while the paint is still loose, and if there is still some paint left saturate the area again with the paint remover and repeat the above steps until all the paint is removed.,, Since brick is porous, there may still be an odor of paint remover left in the brick once you are finished.
It should dissipate in a few days.
If not, it can be neutralized by scrubbing the brick with a mixture of water and vinegar., You can usually tell by the age
- if the brick is the newer than 40 years old, the chances are that it is actually stamped concrete, not clay brick.
Concrete brick tends to be rougher looking and will have some visible aggregate in the brick, whereas a clay brick is solid in color.
Concrete will be more porous than clay brick, which is baked in a kiln.
About the Author
Emma Baker
Specializes in breaking down complex hobbies topics into simple steps.
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