How to remove paint from brick exterior? 5 tips how to remove paint from brick exterior

Don’t be forceful

If your first instinct is to attack the wall with a scraper, steel wool, or some stiff-bristled brushes, then definitely don’t follow that train of thought. It’s important to remember that the surface of the brick is very porous and the paint applied on it has embedded itself in the tiny openings beneath the exterior of the brick. While mechanical scrubbing can remove the top layer of paint, it won’t be able to penetrate further inside. For that task, you will need to use a chemical paint stripper. Such products are available in most hardware stores, but make sure you select the one intended for masonry.

Start with prepping the wall

How to remove paint from a brick exterior? Prep the surface! How to do that? First, you should wash the wall with a wet cloth or a hose. Use lukewarm water and leave the bricks to dry fully for several hours. Next, move to secure the area you’ll be working on. Paint stripper is highly chemical, and it can damage the area it drips on, so make sure you cover the floor with a plastic drop cloth. Don’t forget about protective wear as well. Thick gloves and long-sleeve clothes will protect your skin from the toxic paint remover.

Apply the paint stripper

Now you can move to the main task - applying the paint stripper. Usually, it is sold with plastic sheeting that you lay over the applied stripper, so it's most helpful to work on the wall in sections the size of that sheet. You can put on the stripper with a paintbrush or a trowel but make sure you build up a thick layer of the product. Usually, the paint remover is semi-translucent and accumulates to create a white coat, so you will be able to see where to place more of it.

Use the provided plastic sheet

When the chosen section of the brick exterior is covered with an appropriate layer of the stripper, you can spread the plastic sheet over the area and press it, so it sticks to the wall. Make sure to smooth it out and remove any air bubbles. Then move to the next parts of the wall and repeat the process. Follow the instructions and wait so the stripper can eat away the paint.

Peel off the sheet

After the appropriate time, slowly lift the sheet from the wall. Usually, you’ll already see parts of exposed brick. Any leftover paint will be weakened, and you can use a scraper or chisel to gently remove it. When you’re done, wash the bricks and rinse off any debris. 

Please check also our first article: How to paint exterior brick walls? If you want to refresh your walls!