What is the best way to remove paint from interior brickwork?

Question

I have a brick fireplace and a stove archway that would be beautiful if it was not covered with white paint. Sandblasting, I was told, would damage the brick (is this correct?) and Jasco/ wire brush scrubbing is unbearably labor intensive. Any suggestions that would make this project more efficient would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

Answer 1

sandblast

Answer 2

You have to be careful. Sometimes these fireplaces are painted for a good reason. I've seen brick stripped of paint only to reveal brick that wasn't laid properly; either terrible mortar joints, wrong material for mortar, spalled brick (poorly made by the manufacturer), etc., etc. Use a brush on paint stripper in an inconspicuous place to see what you have first. There have been a lot of ugly brick manufactured over the years. Heavy duty paint stripper can get the bulk of the paint off, but you're in for a labor intensive job unless you can blast it. There are lots of alternatives to sand that won't damage the face of the brick. If you have the time though, you can take sections and just work at it. Hydrochloric acid will let you get what the paint remover won't. It's very dangerous stuff though; wear a breather and DON'T let it get on anything you're fond of; it's very corrosive.

Answer 3

sandblast with buckweat hulls

there are alternatives to sand-blasting that could be used if the brick is heavily soiled or stained. Some other options include rice-hulls, styrofoam balls, nutshells, etc. All of these options are easier on brick, althougn still risky. They require far less pressure, and may be safer.

Answer 4

suit up.....mask etc, blowtorch or heat gun with scraper.......then a hydrochloric acid wash. Be careful....not a job for the foolhardy. A dry way is to anglegrind the bricks with a stone disc.....several in fact.....its dusty and will scar face bricks but looks pretty good.

Answer 5

I don't know. You can maybe go to a hardware store and ask them.