STEAM Low pressure and chemical free, steam cleaning removes grime and paint from brick without damage. Don’t use this method on natural stone, as it can cause thermal expansion leading to cracks and breakage. Steam cleaners may be rented from builders’-supply stores or purchased online. Look for one that specifically indicates it can be used on masonry.
LOW-PRESSURE WASHING This requires turning the room into a shallow bathtub, true, but painted masonry successfully can be stripped with low-pressure washing up to 1500 psi. Like steam cleaners, low-pressure washers may be purchased online or found at a builders’ supply. Make sure you get one with adjustable pressure. Start at a low number (say, 100 psi) and use the lowest pressure possible that effectively removes paint. The higher the pressure, the more water…
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Old House Journal (Digital) - 1 Issue, May/June 2024