Do It Yourself Exterior Paint Removal
I would like to remove the paint from my brick facade. I live in a historic district. I know that I need approval from Landmarks, but must I also get a DOB permit? As long as I follow Landmarks rules (safe paint stripper, etc), I don’t see why I can’t do it myself. I’m starting…
I would like to remove the paint from my brick facade. I live in a historic district. I know that I need approval from Landmarks, but must I also get a DOB permit? As long as I follow Landmarks rules (safe paint stripper, etc), I don’t see why I can’t do it myself. I’m starting to get the feeling you have to be super wealthy to do any renovations in this city as even simple procedures seem to require permits and architects, etc.
Thanks, BrooklynButler
I ordered the tax photo a couple of weeks ago, so should be here soon.
I know there is probably some mismatched brick, but still think it will look better.
I will get facade tested, but think it is latex.
All very good points. But really just think it would be better to have the brick exposed. The paint does not look good.
I’m not trying to discourage you from doing this yourself (and neither will the LPC) if you feel that you have the time and equipment. I second all of elninio’s concerns. I’ll add:
1. Lead. Get the facade tested. Before you contaminate yourself, your building and your neighbors’ buildings, find out if you have lead paint on this building.
2. Why is the paint there? Many times bricks are painted to hide mismatched brick patching. Look very carefully on your facade to find any irregular looking rows of brick, bricked-in openings, lintels with no windows or doors below, etc. Bricks are also painted to help protect fragile or damaged brick. Sometimes there is a logical reason for paint.
You might want to look at the 1930s tax photos for your building. These photos will show you if the facade was painted then, and if not, you might be able to see if the facade looks the same as it does now.
Finally, you’ll need approval from the LPC, but for this scope, it will not be a long process.
For a two story building, no permit needed. But if you are too close to the sidewalk you will need a sidewalk shed.
Simple it never is. Does anyone know how much scaffolding runs for a two story building?
NYC Local Law 1 is something you might want to understand. While it may or may not apply to you, many neighbors have a way of thinking that it does. Said neighbors often have a limitless supply of dimes to drop on calling 311.
Also, further to the above reply noting scaffolding, any work that you do that’s above 40′ requires a sidewalk bridge at a minimum.
Interesting — Millad told me he was licensed and insured
Its clearly much harder to find a safe stripper nowadays than when I was looking for one.
I don’t recommend this as a do-it-yourself job. In fact, it is a fairly impossible do-it-yourself job.
You will need to protect your neighbor’s property (including plants) from any accidental spraying, you need to capture the runoff as it is illegal to use the street drains and you will need scaffolding and power washing equipment.
Well the guy who did my facade will do it. He does two applications of remover and then hoses it off…no powerwashing as that will surely ruin the brick and mortar.
He’s not licensed or insured though. And it sure as hell won’t come close to $20,000
Millad
718-669-8305