Re: Removing Paint from Bricks :: Builders Websource®

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Re: Removing Paint from Bricks

From: nospam.james@gmail.com
Category: Concrete
Remote Name: 196.2.124.250
Date: 27 Dec 2005
Time: 05:55 AM

Comments

Question: I just bought a new house off-plan, and it seems that the builders were a bit careless with the paint. They spilled some paint onto the bricks on the driveway, and no matter what I do, I can't get rid of it. Will I have to change the bricks? Here's what I've tried so far:

Paint remover - Just took the top off the paint. Still quite a bit in the grooves and in the brick
Pool Acid - I was told this would bring the paint out. It didn't really work. Still quite a bit of paint in the brick

Any tips would be helpful on how to remove paint from brick. Then I can put it on my Blog with tips that I've compiled on making a great home at: http://buildingahouse.blogspot.com.

Thanks, James

Builders Websource® Answer: James, not all paint removers are the same. Assuming it's available in your part of the world, try a product called Motsenbocker's Lift Off 5, available from reputable home improvement warehouses (such as Home Depot). It's a water-based biodegradable paint remover that breaks the molecular bond between latex-based paints and their substrates. Use it on plastic, carpets, clothing, furniture, tile, and masonry or concrete surfaces. It sometimes takes a few applications along with agitation using a bristle brush to work into the grout. As a last resort, try pressure washing the brick. However, your painters should be responsible for restoring the bricks to like-new condition. I've personally used Motsenbocker's on porous surfaces and if you treat the stained surface while it's relatively fresh, it works quite well. In some cases, however, despite your best efforts, pigments from the paint can soak deeply into the masonry and grout surface, leaving a visible stain. In extreme cases, you'll either have to live with it, or replace the damaged units. In exchange for leaving your link above, we'd appreciate you posting a link to Builders Websource from your blog!

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