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…
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!
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.
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).
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.
Sounds potentially very chilly too.
Ooops, I said water sealer, but meant stone sealer.
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.
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.
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.
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.