What is the easiest way to remove paint from a brick fireplace ?
Question:
Answers:
Try Bix paint remover. That will blister the paint up without hurting the brick.
A product called 'goop off'.
Paint stripper, brush, and a scraper.
There are a number of brands at the paint store or paint department of Wal Mart. Comes in quarts and gallons. You'll need a quart for a fireplace.
Apply it with a brush to the painted surfaces and let it set a half hour to an hour. Since it emits some monoxide fumes be sure the room is well-ventalated when you are using the stuff (read the can).
The paint layers will soon become soft to the bottom of the paint so then start scraping it away. It should come off easily in long strokes with the scraper if its been on long enough. Wipe the scraper into sheets of newspaper to collect the gunky residue. Later roll it up to dispose of in the outdoor trash.
Salvage any excess remaining surface stripper as you remove it to apply to fresh areas, since the stuff is reusable.
Go over it with a brass wire brush to eliminate the specs trapped in the brick and mortar.
If the fireplace is outdoors you can rent a sandblaster. Sand blasting will remove paint quite easily, but only use it outdoors since it can be messy. If the fireplace is indoors, be careful of fumes from thinners and other paint removers. They are very toxic and must be used with good ventilation!
Bricks are porous. Paint loves pores! I have never sucessfully removed paint from brickwork without sandblasting.
Do not dismay! Proper preparation (tent, ventilation, etc.) make sandblasting of an indoor fireplace doable. It takes work, time, and considerable cleanup, but the results are usually worth it.
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