How to Take White Paint Off Red Brick

Some homeowners opt to paint over brick detailing in an effort to bring an older home into the more modern age, and white if often the go-to color for remodelers looking for a more neutral color palette. The best method for removing white paint from your brick detailing depends on the extend of the paint to be removed.

Painted Surfaces

1. Ventilate your working area. Gel and paste paint removers are less toxic than chemical paint strippers, but ventilation ensures your respiratory safety. Open nearby windows, or use a box fan to draw fumes outside.

2. Put on your protective gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes while handling the paint remover.

3. Mix the gel or paste paint remover according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some brands require that your add water or mix two compounds together to create the removing agent.

4. Apply a thin layer of the gel or paste paint remover to your painted brick. Use a wide putty knife so that you can control the thickness of the paste and cover large areas at one time.

5. Cover the paste with strips of scrap fabric before the paste dries. Press the fabric onto the gel or paste.

6. Allow the paste to soak into the paint on your brick surface for as long as the manufacturer recommends, typically at least 10 minutes.

7. Peel the strips of fabric gently off of the surface of the brick. The gel or paste paint remover will have softened the paint as well as adhered to the fabric so that the paint will come off as you peel. Discard the fabric strips.

8. Wash excess paste or gel from your brick with a rag and warm water. Use a stiff bristle brush to remove any remaining paint or gel.

Paint Splatters or Small Areas

1. Ventilate your work space. Heating up lead-based paint will release fumes into the air, so proper ventilation is essential for your safety. Wear a face mask, goggles and gloves.

2. Warm up your heat gun per the manufacturer instructions. Most guns require a power outlet and a brief warm up period of five to 10 minutes.

3. Hold your heat gun over the white paint splatter on your brick. The length of time you'll need to hold the gun over the paint varies based on the type and thickness of the layer of paint. Hold the gun in place until the paint begins to bubble and appears to be melting.

4. Use your free, gloved hand to scrape away the paint with your semi-firm scraper.

5. Move the gun to the next paint spot and repeat the process until all the paint is removed. If needed, wash the brick with warm water and a stiff bristle brush to remove remaining paint.