How to Remove Paint From Brick Without Damaging It
Painted brick looks fine until it starts to flake, or until you decide you want the original brick back. Then you find out how stubborn it is. Brick is porous, so paint doesn't just sit on top. It soaks in, and it takes real care to get out.
I've cleaned brick on period properties across Dorset for over 30 years. This guide covers the main ways to remove paint from brick, what each one does to the surface and when it's worth calling someone in.
Why paint on brick is so hard to remove
Brick is full of tiny holes. Paint sinks into them and grips on like roots. A scrape or a wipe only takes off what's on the surface, and the rest stays put.
Old brick adds a second problem. Victorian and Edwardian bricks are often softer than modern ones, and they're usually laid in soft lime mortar. Anything too harsh can wear the face of the brick or wash out the mortar between them.
The main ways to strip paint from brick
Chemical paint strippers
Strippers soften the paint so it can be scraped or washed off. They work, but they're slow and messy, and thick or multiple coats need repeat applications. They also need rinsing thoroughly, and any residue left in the brick can stain or stop new coatings from sticking.
Heat guns
A heat gun works for a small patch, such as a door surround or a short stretch of wall. On anything larger it takes forever, and it's easy to scorch the brick or crack old paint into the pores instead of lifting it.
Pressure washing on its own
A pressure washer will take loose, flaking paint off. It won't shift paint that has soaked in, and a strong jet can damage soft mortar joints. It's a good first step, but rarely the whole job.
Low pressure blast cleaning
This is where I come in. Blast cleaning with a soft media at low pressure lifts paint out of the brick without wearing the face of it. The media and pressure are matched to the brick, so a soft old brick gets a much gentler clean than a hard modern one.
It's quicker than chemicals, there's no soaking and rinsing, and the result is even. You can read more about how it compares in what's the difference between blast cleaning and sandblasting.
Why harsh sandblasting damages brick
The outside of a fired brick is a hard skin. If it's blasted too hard, that skin wears away and the softer inside is exposed. The brick then soaks up water far more easily, which leads to damp, frost damage and crumbling.
That's why old-style sandblasting gets a bad name on brickwork. Done properly, with the right media and a low pressure, none of that happens.
What to do before you start
- Test a small patch. Pick a hidden spot and try your method there first.
- Check the mortar. If it's crumbling or soft, it needs gentler handling, and repair may be needed first.
- Know what paint it is. Old paint on Victorian brick can contain lead. If you're unsure, get it tested before sanding or scraping.
- Think about what comes next. Bare brick often needs time to dry out, and some finishes trap moisture, so choose carefully.
When to call someone
Small patches are fine to try yourself. Anything big, high up, in a listed building or on soft old brick is worth leaving to someone who does this every week.
Not sure what you've got? Send me a photo and I'll tell you honestly what I'd do. For an idea of the cost, see how much sandblasting costs in Dorset, and if you're comparing companies, read how to choose a sandblasting company.
Frequently asked questions
Can you sandblast brick without damaging it?
Yes, if the media and pressure are matched to the brick. Soft media at low pressure lifts the paint and leaves the face of the brick intact. High pressure with hard media is what causes damage.
Will paint stripper damage old brick?
Most strippers won't harm the brick itself, but residue left behind can stain it or stop new coatings sticking. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry fully.
How long does it take to strip paint from brick?
It depends on how many coats there are and how big the wall is. A small wall can be done in a day, and a whole house front takes longer.
Related reading
- Sandblasting wood beams and doors
- Sandblasting old iron gates and railings
- Restoring classic cars and period buildings
- Sandblasting vs chemical stripping vs wire brushing
To see what else I take on, have a look at my services page or get in touch through the contact page.