How to Renovate a Painted Brick Wall

Vacuum the wall to remove dirt, dust, hair and any loose pieces. Use the upholstery attachment for the vacuum cleaner to get in the hard-to-reach areas.

Apply a water-based paint stripper to the wall using a bristle paintbrush. These paint strippers come in gel form and cling to the wall, instead of running down the sides. The stripper will break the bond between the brick and the paint so you can peel it off. This type of stripper takes longer to work so you may have to wait up to 24 hours. Check the paint periodically using a putty knife to see if it is ready to peel off.

Peel off the paint using a putty knife to lift the paint up and pull it off. Discard the paint.

Apply a second coat of paint stripper if you still have paint on the walls. This is sometimes necessary because the stripper can't always reach deep into the brick's crevices. The type of paint and how much paint was used is also a factor. Apply it as with the first coat. Peel the paint off when ready.

Wash the walls with plain water to remove any stripper residue. Consult the package instructions for your paint stripper to see if a neutralizer needs to be applied for that particular stripper. Most water-based strippers only need a water rinse.

Allow the brick to dry before proceeding. Brick absorbs a lot of water, so this can take several days in a humid environment. Do not paint over damp brick or it will ruin your paint. Use a dehumidifier or fans to help the brick dry quickly.

Apply a primer to the surface with a sponge roller that has a long nap. The fiber on the long nap will absorb the paint and push it into the crevices in the brick. Use a water-based primer designed for use on masonry. This type of primer bonds best to the surface and also protects the paint by sealing in any water or lime that may leach out of the brick. Allow it to cure according to package instructions.

Paint the brick in the same way as you applied the primer. Use a long nap sponge roller and a water-based paint. Choose a paint that is compatible with the primer you are using. Wait for the paint to cure and then apply a second coat.