As part of our collection of articles on masonry paint, we would like to answer one of the most frequently asked questions – how to remove masonry paint. There are many reasons as to why customers would like to remove masonry paint from their properties. Reasons may include looking to bring a properties fascia back to the original substrate, improve permeability or due to wanting to recover a failing coating.
Below, Promain‘s technical team would like to advise customers on the removal processes required for various substrates.
How To Remove Masonry Paint From Render
If you are looking to change your textured masonry paint to smooth masonry paint it is an expensive process. The best way to remove the texture is via soda blasting. Soda blasting can be used for cleaning timber, wood, oak beams, oak floors, doors, stairs & bannisters, cars, boat hulls, masonry, and food processing equipment. Soda blasting can also be used to remove graffiti and to clean structural steel. This process is very effective for mould and fire/smoke damage clean up as it cleans and deodorizes. It is an ideal process for the removal of textured masonry paint before repainting. If you have a larger area blast cleaning is the most efficient process to protect your asset.
Normally you would need to contact a specialist that have the correct tools for the job. In most aspects though, it would actually be easier to keep the texture and repaint to refresh the property.
If only the top half or bottom half of your property has textured masonry paint on you may be in luck. For only a relatively small area, paint stripper is the cheaper and easier way to remove the masonry paint.
In the past, paint strippers such as Nitromors had a great reputation and reliability for removing masonry paint. The problem in recent years though is that with European regulations on hazardous materials, paint stripper quality has been stifled by environmental requirements. For more success when removing masonry paint, we would suggest using plastic sheeting over the paint stripper as it works. This helps the product fully absorb into the substrate before evaporating. This makes it much easier to remove masonry paint using correct tools in fewer applications.
Find out more about paint strippers via our paint removers, via our paint strippers category here.
How To Remove Masonry Paint From Stonework, Concrete & Brickwork
Brick, render and concrete are all absorbent mineral based surfaces. A frequent question we have been asked is how to get masonry paint off stone. When painting masonry, you can risk getting paint on stonework such as plinths, arches, corbels or lintels. Our technical team would advise using either Keim Paint Stripper STS 7M or Centrecoat R10 Paint Stripper shown below.
The problem with trying to remove masonry paint from stonework is that often residual chemicals are left behind. This can be solved by neutralisation. A product suitable is Owatrol Net-trol. This would be necessary if you intend to recoat the stonework. Some paint strippers may not need neutralising, just a thorough rinse down afterwards.
Another way to remove masonry paint from stone is to contract a company that provides a ice blasting equipment / soda blasting service. It’s important that existing masonry paint coatings are removed if the wall cannot breathe.
How To Remove Masonry Paint From Concrete
The process of how to get masonry paint off concrete would be the same as how to remove masonry paint from stonework. Essentially, you would need to act upon the same process of how to remove masonry paint on stone.
How To Get Masonry Paint Off Brickwork
Again, with how to remove masonry paint from bricks you would still need to follow the same process as above.
Promain’s Paint Strippers For Removing Masonry Paint
Introducing Keim Paint Stripper STS 7M
Suitable for removing masonry paint from a number of substrates, this product is a non hazardous paint stripper manufactured from mineral paint specialists Keim. Keim STS 7M is particularly well suited for the removal of plastic paints i.e. acrylic and latex.
Application
Keim STS 7M should be stirred well before use. Keim STS 7M should be liberally applied by brush with the coat of paint stripper should be thicker than the coat of paint that is to be removed. To get the best performance, once applied, the surfaces should be covered in thin protective plastic film to prevent the product from premature drying out. Keim STS 7M should be allowed to remain undisturbed for between 30 minutes and 30 hours depending upon the number and thickness of paint layers. Keim STS 7M should be applied and left protected overnight. Paint should then be dissolved and removed either using a scraper, brush used with warm water or a high pressure hot water washer. It may be necessary to apply several coats of Keim STS 7M.
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Introducing Centrecoat R10 Paint Stripper
R10 is a versatile stripper suitable for removing masonry paint from a number of substrates including wood, timber, brick, stone, and fibreglass.
Application
Ensure the masonry paint area is fully dry. Protect all areas and items not to be stripped carefully. Shake well prior to use before using direct from the tin. Layer onto the surface with a brush, airless spray or roller. You should apply a generous even coat. Scrape off all residue after the designated time, leaving the surfaces as clean as possible. Clean surface thoroughly with clean water and reapply as necessary. Multi layered masonry paint benefit from a second coat of stripper. If leaving overnight, the treated area can be covered with plastic sheeting to help the stripping process.
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How To Get Masonry Paint Off Clothes
It is best to wear the correct work wear or PPE prior to application of your masonry paint. Not only could you make a mess of your favourite clothes, you may experience a chemical burn! We would like to think that wearing the correct clothing when painting is common knowledge, but sometimes this isn’t the case. For example, if might have had painted your masonry and had someone else lean on the wet paint by accident. Unfortunately, sometimes a sign isn’t enough to deter people.
Time is of the essence especially when it comes to how to remove masonry paint from clothes. If the paint is water based, the garment should be quickly cleaned with fresh water before the paint dries. We would however suggest proper signage and warnings as part of your risk assessment.
How To Clean Masonry Paint Off Brushes
The majority of masonry paints are water based. Because of this, this means that you can clean tools in water afterwards. We suggest using warm soapy water to fully remove all paint. If your paint brush or roller really means a lot to you remember to clean your tools immediately after use. However, it may be difficult and or impossible for you to remove masonry paint from brushes after the paint has dried.
How To Thin Masonry Paint
Depending on the masonry paint you purchase, you may not need to thin the masonry paint. Our technical team therefore always suggest thorough reading of each products data sheet prior to choosing which masonry paint is best for you. Within a product data sheet, under preparation and application, you will find the thinning requirements for your paint.
Would you like further information on how to remove masonry paint from various substrates? Please contact our technical team on 01462 421333. Our technical team are available 8.30am – 5.30pm weekdays over the phone or via email.
