How to Remove Paint from Brick (6 Steps)

So, you’ve got a painted brick fireplace or wall that you would like to restore to its original and natural look. That's not a problem! Removing paint from brick surfaces is fairly easy if you have the right materials and know how to do it. 

Whether you choose to remove the paint yourself or call the professionals at VanDerKolk Painting, you can have your brick looking like its old self again in no time. With a little bit of elbow grease, patience, and determination, you can remove paint from brick in a weekend - depending on how large the project is. In this blog post, we’ll discuss paint removal methods and provide a step-by-step guide for removing paint from brick. 

Can You Remove Paint from Brick?

Absolutely! There are a few different methods you can use to remove paint from brick surfaces. Since most brick is painted with acrylic latex or masonry paint, there are products made specifically to dissipate the paint’s adherence to the surface.

Before You Begin Paint Removal

There are some things you must do beforehand to ensure the safety of the brick and your health. 

Test the Paint for Lead

If you’re working in an older house that hasn’t been painted since 1978, then you may be dealing with lead-based paint on your brick fireplace or wall. The best thing to do before you begin removing the paint is to test it with a lead testing kit. 

If the paint tests positive for lead, it’s important to avoid chipping or sanding the paint as it could cause potential health issues for you and your family members. In this case, it is best to simply paint over the lead-based paint with a new color or similar brick color. 

Obtain Codes or Permits if Necessary

The best way to remove paint from brick is with a paint stripper. However, if the paint stripper you choose to use has methylene chloride in it, you may have to obtain a permit to use it from your local township. 

Since paint stripper is a solvent, it can cause the air quality to become hazardous or harmful. Depending on where the brick is from where you plan to remove the paint, you may need the necessary permits from the state. 

Safety Precautions

Working with solvent chemicals when using a paint stripper requires plenty of safety precautions and gear. Wear appropriate gloves and eye protection, and cover all exposed skin before working with the paint stripper. 

Paint Removal Methods from Brick Surfaces

Online, you’ll find many recommendations and methods to remove paint from brick surfaces. While they all work to some degree, below are the most effective methods to remove paint quickly and (almost) effortlessly.

Paint Stripper

We’ve mentioned paint stripper a few times already. It is by far the best method to remove paint from brick. This solvent breaks down the chemical that causes the paint to adhere to the surface, making it easy to scrape the paint away. 

There are various paint strippers available ranging in strength, so you can find the perfect one for your small or large project. 

Pressure Washer

While using a pressure washer to remove paint from brick is effective, it’s important to understand how to use it. Since brick is a porous and delicate material, using a pressure washer to fully remove all of the paint could damage the brick’s surface and cause it to break down. 

So, if you choose to use a pressure washer, set it to a gentle setting and only use it to loosen stubborn paint that won’t come off after using a paint stripper. Of course, this is only for exterior brick surfaces, not interior projects. 

Muriatic Acid

If paint stripper isn’t an option, then muriatic acid could help on smaller-scale projects with plenty of ventilation. Simply spray the acid on the paint and allow the brick to absorb it for a few minutes. The paint will begin to lift and bubble away from the surface. 

You can then either scrape the paint away or use a gentle pressure washer. 

It’s important to note that you will have to neutralize the surface with water and baking soda after removing the paint. 

How to Remove Paint from Brick with a Paint Stripper

If you couldn’t tell, our favorite method to remove paint from brick is with a powerful paint stripper. So, we’ve created a step-by-step guide on how to do it yourself. 

Step 1: Prep the Area

If you’re removing paint from brick indoors, such as a fireplace or a brick wall, make sure to set down plastic on the floor and cover any furniture that may be around. When you scrape and remove the paint, you can expect chips and flecks to scatter around the room. 

Step 2: Clean the Brick

In the case of brick fireplaces and chimneys, you may need to clean the brick with trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water. You’ll often find soot or dirt from the fire stuck to the brick surface. 

However, if the surface doesn’t look too dirty, you can skip this step. 

Step 3: Apply the Paint Stripper

The next step is to apply the paint stripper with a brush in thick layers. Try to avoid using thin layers because it dries too quickly and doesn’t give the stripper enough time to break down the adhesive. 

Allow the paint stripper to sit on the surface for 10-15 minutes. It may be best to work in small patches depending on the size of your brick surface. 

Step 4: Scrape the Paint Away

Using a putty knife, scrape away the paint from the brick. The paint should come off easily with just a bit of pressure. 

It’s normal for some paint to still be left over on the brick. 

Step 5: Apply a Second Coat of Paint Stripper

If you still have some paint adhered to the brick’s surface, don’t fret. Just apply another coat of the paint stripper and wait for another 15 minutes for it to take effect. 

Step 6: Scrub Remaining Paint Away

After the second coat of paint stripper, use a wire brush or steel wool to scrub the remaining paint away from the surface. At this point, the paint will be in thinner layers, so you won't typically need the putty knife. Scrub and remove until completely gone. 

When to Call a Professional to Remove Paint from Brick

It’s completely doable to remove paint from brick yourself, but do you have the time, tools, or patience to actually do it?

If you want to keep your weekend free to focus on other aspects of your household and life, then you may want to consider calling a professional to come and remove the paint from your brick fireplace or wall. 

Also, depending on how large-scale the project is, a professional may be required, as they can provide paint strippers with even more effective chemicals that are not available to the public. 

Another reason you may want to hire a professional is if you are working on a historic home. If the brick is older, it may require gentler or more advanced paint removal techniques. You may also have to abide by historic society guidelines. 

Restore or Revive Your Brick with VanDerKolk Painting

Whether you’re looking to get the old cozy brick look back or apply another paint color to your fireplace or brick walls, VanDerKolk Painting can help bring your interior and exterior brick aesthetic to life! 

Our team of professional and certified painters has served the Grand Rapids area for decades. From residential to commercial projects, no project is too big or too small for us! Get a free estimate for your brick painting project today!