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October 26, 2009
Removing Paint from Brick Wall
I am very close to putting in an offer on a 1-br in a co-op. Pretty much the only work I would want to do to the place is a 14-15 foot long wall in the living room is exposed brick, but has been painted over white. I'd like to have that paint chipped away and bring back that beautiful red brick. Does anyone know the cost and time that may be involved in work like that, and be able to recommend someone? Thanks!
Comments
You wouldn't chip it, you'd strip it with chemicals. And the many people who don't like brick walls at all would tell you to just cover it with wallboard.
Posted by: denton at October 26, 2009 8:33 AM
You could use chemicals, wirebrushes and dental picks or else grind it off, but grinding will leave marks and make a ton of dust.
Stripping is very tedious. The last brick wall I did strip came out gorgeous though.
masterbuildernyc@gmail.com
Posted by: masterbuilder at October 26, 2009 8:49 AM
If it's an old wall you may find that different areas need different treatment since some bricks will have had the sealant abraded off & will have absorbed the paint more than other spots. It's a really long, tedious & unpleasant task. Having done it once myself, now I'd leave it as is or cover it.
Posted by: Arkady at October 26, 2009 9:30 AM
I have an big old brick fireplace that was painted. Am pretty sure the guy used chemical stripper. Then he repointed (new mortar between brick). Don't remember what it cost though. But does look great. his name is shahab at 646 523 7155
Posted by: Petebklyn at October 26, 2009 9:32 AM
Not wishing to be a downer, but sometimes the "beautiful red brick" under the paint aint so beautiful.
But personally, I like a little exposed brick. Kinda cool in right setting. My house has too much so I'm the villain painting/dry walling it over ;-)
Posted by: Johnny at October 26, 2009 2:36 PM
Suggest you live there first. Depending on the thickness of that brick wall and whether it's a party wall or built next to, but separate from, the adjoining building, you may end up wanting to throw up a new wall with quietrock and sound insulation. Form follows function.....
Posted by: wyckoff at October 26, 2009 3:28 PM
although this sounds like it should be a snap, it is actually an awful, dirty job. The time to do it is when the renovation is underway and the building is open.
Stripping paint off an exterior wall is easy but stripping paint from an interior wall is a nightmare. You can't wash down the wall and the odor of the stripping chemicals will permeate everything.
Have you thought instead of re-painting the wall a brick red color?
Posted by: Minard Lafever at October 26, 2009 4:31 PM
Peel Away (http://www.dumondchemicals.com/index.html) makes several products that work quite well.
ThinkC
www.think-construction.com
Posted by: ThinkC at October 26, 2009 4:34 PM
No way peel away will leave the wall clean without power washing afterwards. Peel away works best on wood, worst on brick. It always leaves residue and blotches that have to be power washed off.
Posted by: Minard Lafever at October 26, 2009 7:24 PM
thanks all for the comments. the unit is in a brownstone, and the other side of the wall is outside, the building is on a corner so there is no adjoining building. i'm likely planning to renovate the kitchen and there would be at least a few weeks in between closing and moving-in, i guess if (again, i haven't bought the place yet) the time comes, i'll reach out to some of the people you suggested, thanks again.
Posted by: fishermb at October 26, 2009 7:27 PM
Minard is right - PeelAway (and most other chemicals) require power washing to get out the good in the nooks and crannies. It can be done, but you need a good containment system to catch the run off (before it goes downstairs!) and dispose of it.
Posted by: WBer at October 26, 2009 9:46 PM
Cheap labor, wire brush, scraper, and water. PeelAway on the really tough spots. When you're finished spray on a couple coats of Thompson Water Sealer or a similar no shine product.
I've had it done dozens of times. Usually you only have to spot point the biggest holes afterwards.
I suggest doing the work before you move in. It creates lots of dust that you don't want all over your stuff.
Posted by: IronBalls at October 26, 2009 10:13 PM
Ooops, I said water sealer, but meant stone sealer.
Posted by: IronBalls at October 26, 2009 10:13 PM
Sounds potentially very chilly too.
Posted by: mopar at October 26, 2009 11:42 PM
Agree with Mopar -- If that wall is exposed to the outside it's going to get cold, and if you put your sofa next to it you are going to feel like someone is breathing down your neck all winter. Personal preference, obviously, but there are both aesthetic and practical reasons for putting up insulation and sheet rock.
Posted by: wyckoff at October 27, 2009 10:45 AM
I meant "goop" not "good". Regardless, it is a dusty and wet proposition to clean, but can be done (hopefully without pissing off your new neighbors!).
As for drafts and such, that may depend on whether or not this is a chimney wall or just an exposed exterior wall. Brick isn't a great insulator, but if it's a chimney wall it may be better (or at least as good as your other exterior walls, which may just be plaster over brick and masonry, without any additional insulation).
Posted by: WBer at October 27, 2009 11:06 AM
sorry perhaps i wasnt entirely clear, but unless i was mistaken, the other side of the brick wall isn't actually outside. i just meant that the other side of the wall isn't a neighbor or another building. there is some sort of material on the exterior of the building between the brick wall and outside, if that makes sense.
Posted by: fishermb at October 27, 2009 4:30 PM
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