Removing old paint from bricks is a tricky business. Brick is porous so many products that work on other surfaces will damage or discolor it. Try using the least complicated method first: a stiff bristled brush. If the brush does not work, use a soy-based gel paint remover. The gel will safely remove the old paint with minimum fuss and without damaging the bricks. Soy-based gel paint removers also remove lead and latex paint, enamel paint, varnishes and urethane from brick, concrete, wood and tile.
Instructions
1. Wear old clothes or a protective coverall, goggles, face mask and rubber gloves. Put down a drop cloth under your work area.
2. Before buying a chemical paint remover try a stiff bristled scrub brush. Apply pressure and move the brush in different directions (up and down, side to side) to get the best results.
3. Test a small area, behind a door or furniture first to see if the gel causes discoloration to the brick.
4. Using a paint brush apply a thick layer, up to 1/8-inch, of soy-based gel paint remover. The gel does not run or drip and can be used on walls, ceilings and floors. It can safely be used inside as well as outside. The gel will look wet when it is applied and should not be allowed to dry out.
5. Wait for at least an hour before using a paint scraper. Remove a small portion of the gel to determine if the paint has softened. If the paint has not softened, wait another hour and recheck. The gel can stay for several hours, even overnight, without harming the brick.
6. Cover the gel with polythene plastic if it starts to dry out.
7. Once the paint is softened, remove both the soy-based gel paint remover and the old paint using a paint scraper or other stripping tool.
8. Clean the remaining gel residue with a damp cloth or kitchen scrub pad.
9. Re-apply the gel as many times as needed (to dry bricks)to completely remove the old paint.
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