Are you curious if you can remove limewash from bricks? Limewashing is popular because it helps improve the look of your brick walls and also adds a measure of protection. It is affordable and there is no need to hire the services of a professional to do the job. There are many benefits to using limewash, but what if you changed your mind and would like to remove the limewash? Can it be removed? If so, how easy is it to remove? We will find out the answer below.
Can you remove limewash from brick? Limewash can easily be removed from bricks. If you want to change the look of your brick walls, you can remove the limewash with the use of a stiff brush or a pressure washer. Moreover, the limewash can slowly dissolve using an acidic cleaner. However, the process can be time-consuming since it needs to be reapplied.
Limewashing brick walls have many benefits. Aside from creating a rustic look, it also helps protect the bricks. However, it can look bad after many years and you will need to reapply or remove it. In this article, we will provide you with tips and ideas on how to effectively remove limewash from bricks.
Is Limewash Difficult to Remove from Bricks?
Removing limewash from bricks can be difficult and time-consuming if it has bonded well with the bricks. You need to be careful when removing the limewash or you will end up damaging the bricks and the stone. Use the correct method so that you can make sure that all limewash is removed with the bricks still intact.
Removing Lime Wash from Brick
There are many methods used to remove limewash from bricks depending on the amount of limewash that is applied and how long it has been applied. If the limewash is newly applied, you can remove it by washing the brick with water. Use a bristle brush to scrub the bricks. You can also clean the bricks with high-pressure water. On the other hand, when limewash is old, it can be tricky to remove. In this case, it is best to hire the services of a professional limewash removal company that specializes in this task. They have the skills and the tools to do proper limewash removal.
How to Remove Limewash from Bricks?
To remove limewash from bricks, you can use various methods like pressure washing and sandblasting. These are effective methods that you can try on your own. Learn more about these methods below.
Method 1 – Pressure Washing
One of the methods that you can use to remove limewash from bricks is Brickspressure washing. It is a popular way to get rid of grime and dirt build-up on the walls. Pressure washing is an ideal method that is used for outer walls but may not be ideal inside because water needs a place to drain away. On the other hand, pressure washing is ideal for different types of bricks. Once you have removed all limewash from the wash, you need to make sure that you wipe up any limewash flakes on the floor. You might need to use a chemical like acetone to remove limewash flakes. You can also check out this article titled, does limewash come off in rain? We have shared tips and ideas on how to maintain limewash that you can refer to.
Sandblasting
Another method that you can use is sandblasting. It is an easy yet effective method that works in the same way as pressure washing. The sand acts as an abrasive that removes limewash from the walls. Make sure that you wear safety gear like a mask and goggles when working with a sandblaster because the sand is so fine that it can easily enter your nose and eyes. Sand is normally harmless but you need to be careful when it is moving at a fast speed. Sandblasting is usually done outdoors. On the other hand, you can also do this indoors if you have a large indoor area. Make sure to wipe the walls with water to remove any limewash residue.
What is the Best Way to Remove Limewash?
The best way to remove limewash depends on various factors like the amount of limewash that is used and how long it has been applied. An effective way is to use a pressure washer. If the limewash is newly applied, you can remove it by hand using water and a stiff nylon scrub brush.
How to Naturally Remove Limewash from Bricks?
You can naturally remove limewash from bricks with the use of a sandblaster and a power washer. Avoid using paint stripping compounds because it contains harmful chemicals that can damage the bricks and can be harmful to your health. There are other methods that you can try depending on the condition of the whitewash as well as the material of your bricks. You can also check out this article titled, what does limewashing do to brick? We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
Limewash Paint for Brick
There is only one type of limewash paint available for bricks. The paint is water-based and can work perfectly on porous surfaces easily sinking into it. However, these paints cannot work on surfaces that are less porous like cement and hard gypsum. You need to add particular additives into the paint so that it can bond on these types of surfaces.
Brick has a porous surface so it is easy for the limewash paint to stick into it. Moreover, the reaction between the paint and carbon dioxide that is present in the air hardens the paint. This creates a deep matt appearance in the limewash. Take note that there is no specific limewash paint that is meant for bricks because it is one of the best surfaces to apply this type of paint on. We have also shared this article that discusses if there are different colors of limewash. We have shared an in-depth discussion about the topic.
How Long Does Lime Wash Last?
How long limewash lasts will have to depend on various factors like the amount of limewash that is used and the environment that the brick wall is exposed to. Usually, the limewash can last for about five years or more and will not need a lot of maintenance. As the years go by, the color of the limewash will not be gone, but it will start to fade. Hence, you might need to reapply for a new coat to make it look new again.
✅ Video – Cleaning Brick – Angle Grinder Vs Wire Brush
Spirit of a Handyman shared the video below on YouTube. It shows how to clean bricks using an angle grinder and wire brush. In the video, the difference that power tools make in cleaning plaster from bricks walls is discussed. Watch the video for more tips and information.
Is Limewash Bad for Bricks?
Limewash is not bad for bricks. As a matter of fact, bricks can get a lot of benefits from limewash. Limewash is durable and also has a high UV resistance. If applied correctly, it will not peel or chip. Moreover, limewash is safe to use on porous surfaces like bricks. It has a high PH quality which makes it a natural fungicide that will deter pests and insects.
Can Limewash Cover Ugly Brick Color?
If you do not like the natural color of bricks, you can cover it with limewash. The good thing about limewash is that it is customizable. You can easily create a distressed look so that more brick color will show through. On the other hand, you can choose an opaque finish to cover the bricks thoroughly. If you want your bricks to look antique and vintage, you can first paint your bricks with colors like orange and red. This will create a gorgeous backdrop before you cover it with limewash.
How is Limewash Different from Paint?
Limewash is different from paint because it can soak into the surface of the material when applied. Because of this, limewash will not easily peel or chip. It can be able to take on the properties of the brick. On the other hand, paint merely sits on top of the surface of the material when applied which makes it easier to flake and chip.
Do You Need to Wash Limewash?
You can wash limewash to remove dirt that sits on top of it. While it can be hard to remove limewash once it has thoroughly dried, it is still vulnerable to water. You can use a damp rag to clean the surfaces of the limewashed bricks to remove stains or dirt. On the other hand, it is uncommon to wash limewash surfaces because dirt does not show that much.
Can Limewashed Brick be Restored?
Limewash bricks can be restored depending on the condition of the brick. If the bricks start to deteriorate in some areas, you can solve the problem by coating them with a liquid cement hardener. Then, you can remove the paint with the use of a stripping compound.
Conclusion
Thank you for reading this article that discusses if you can remove limewash from bricks. We have found out that you can remove limewash from bricks depending on various factors like the amount of limewash that is applied and how long it has been applied. Moreover, we have shared various tips and ideas on how to effectively remove limewash from bricks. We hope that this article has helped you learn more about removing limewash to help you with your DIY project.