How to remove paint from brick

Do you need to know how to remove paint from brick after a decorating accident? Or do you want to restore your home’s painted brickwork to its original state? Perhaps it’s spray paint that’s causing you a headache.

In this how-to guide, we’ll advise the best course of action; whether you’re battling masonry paint, latex, or gloss, we’ve got the right solution for the job.

A guide on how to remove paint from brick

In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know for how to get paint off of brick.

Note: removing paint from brickwork is a delicate task and should be completed by a professional to make sure the strength of the brickwork is not affected.

Is it possible to remove paint from brick exterior?

The good news is, paint can be removed from exterior brick. So if you’ve moved into a property where the exterior brickwork has been painted over, it’s possible to restore it back to its original glory.

However, knowing how to remove paint from red brick on this scale should be left to a professional paint removal specialist. It often involves working at height on scaffolding using chemicals to complete the work to a good finish.

Prices normally start at around £50 per m2 for a specialist to remove paint from brick.

How to remove masonry paint from brick

Painting the render and you’ve accidentally got masonry paint on the brickwork? Don’t worry, there is a solution.

You’ll need:

• Protective sheeting for the floor
• Painter’s tape
• Overalls
• Face protection
• Eye protection
• Thick rubber gloves
• Masonry paint stripper
• Trowel
• Brush
• Scraper
• Putty knife
• Chisel

The steps to remove the paint from masonry brick

• Put your protective sheeting on the floor beneath the area you’ll be working. To protect any window frames or wood trims, cover them with painter’s tape or protective plastic.
• Remove any loose paint using a trowel.
• Using a brush, apply the paint stripper as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Some will need multiple layers to be effective.
• After the recommended time, remove the paint stripper with a scraper, putty knife, or chisel.
• If some of the paint proves difficult to remove, you’ll need to repeat the process.
• Once all the paint has been removed, wash the bricks down to remove any residue and leave them to air dry.

Warning: always wear chemical-resistant clothing when working with paint stripper and make sure to ventilate the room if working indoors.

Tip: test a small discreet area first to see how effective the paint stripper is. You may also uncover a reason why the bricks were painted over in the first place. For example, the bricks might be low quality. Testing a small section will also give you an idea of how long the whole project might take you.

How to remove gloss paint from brick

It’s easily done when smartening up the woodwork in and around your home. But there is a way to remove gloss paint from brick.

You’ll need:

• Overalls
• Face protection
• Eye protection
• Thick rubber gloves
• Paint stripper
• A paint brush
• A wire brush
• A sponge or cloth, and water

The steps to remove gloss paint from brick

• Apply the paint stripper to the gloss paint on your brickwork using a paint brush.
• Leave for the recommended time as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use a wire brush to scrub the paint off of the brick.
• Use a wet sponge or cloth to wash any residue away.

Tip: Use this method as an effective way for how to remove paint drips from brick.

How to remove paint from interior brick

The past few decades have seen a variety of brick and stone finishes in our homes, especially in more characterful properties. But in recent years, many homeowners have chosen to modernise these features with paint; adding a limewashed effect to a brick fireplace, or a block colour to an exposed interior wall.

But how do you remove paint from interior brick if you prefer a more natural look?

You’ll need:

• Overalls
• Face protection
• Eye protection
• Thick rubber gloves
• Protective sheet
• Paint remover
• A paint brush
• A scraper
• Wire brush or wire wool
• A sponge or cloth
• An old towel and water

The steps to remove paint from interior brick

• Before working with paint remover indoors, you’ll need to ensure the area is well ventilated.
• Lay a protective sheet underneath the area you’ll be working.
• Apply the paint remover to the painted area of brick.
• Allow the paint remover to dry for the recommended time as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Scrape off the paint using a scraper, wire brush or wire wool.
• Rinse the bricks with a wet cloth or sponge to remove any residue.
• Blot the bricks dry with an old towel.

How to remove spray paint from brick

You’ll need:

• Overalls
• Face protection
• Eye protection
• Thick rubber gloves
• Paint thinner or porous graffiti remover
• A clean spray bottle
• A sponge or cloth, and water

The steps to remove spray paint from brick

• Use a paint thinner or porous graffiti remover.
• Pour your product into a clean spray bottle.
• Spray over the area of painted wall and leave the product for the recommended time.
• Rinse the wall using warm water and a sponge or cloth.

Warning: always wear protective clothing when working with paint thinner or stripper.

How to remove latex paint from brick

You’ll need:

• Overalls
• Face protection
• Eye protection
• Thick rubber gloves
• Commercial paint remover
• A paint brush
• A wire brush
• A sponge or cloth and water

The steps to remove latex paint from brick

• Apply the commerical paint remover to the brick using a paint brush.
• Leave it for the recommended time as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use a wire brush to scrub the paint off of the brick.
• Wash any residue away using water and a sponge or cloth and leave to air dry.

Want to find a professional to help?

Removing paint from brick can be a tricky, time-consuming, and dangerous job. Working at height to remove paint from exterior brickwork should be left to a specialist paint removal firm.

An expert will ensure the paint is removed delicately so as to not damage the brickwork while achieving a clean and professional finish.

Use our search function below to find a paint removal specialists recommended by your neighbours.

FAQs

How much does it cost to remove paint from brick?

For a professional firm to remove paint from brick, you’re looking at around £50 per m2.

If it’s graffiti that you need to be removed, then do check out our graffiti removal cost guide.

Which tradespeople can remove paint from brick?

Brick paint removal services are normally carried out by an exterior cleaning or restoration firm.

Will a heat gun remove paint from brick?

A heat gun and paint scraper can be an effective method for removing paint.

Warning: older paints may contain lead, which when heated will cause fumes that are dangerous to inhale. If using this method on interior brickwork, be careful not to apply too much heat as you can start a fire.

Can I use oven cleaner to remove paint from brick?

While oven cleaner may help to loosen the paint from bricks, it’s unlikely to strip it off to a clean finish.

Does WD-40 remove paint brick?

WD-40 may be able to help you out with dried paint stuck in the crevices of your brickwork. Spray the WD-40 on the paint and use a stiff brush to scrub any stubborn areas.

Does paint thinner remove paint from brick?

Paint thinner can be used to remove paint from brick. It will remove it in layers, working from the topcoat down to the bare brick, therefore you may be presented with challenges where multiple coats have been applied.

Warning: the chemicals in paint thinners can leach into soft, porous brick. It can also run off into vegetation and enter groundwater if not properly trapped. Always take the recommended safety precautions when using paint stripper or thinner.