Painting isn’t for the faint of heart. Even if the job is straight-forward, edging that trim requires a steady hand. So, before you undertake paint removal, assess the job. Do you truly require removal or just a proper surface preparation before repainting?

Here are some considerations. Bricks are comprised of numerous interstices that serve as pockets for absorbing paint. Once filled, it is extremely hard to remove paint without also removing the face of the brick (see Mortar and brick repair under Features). Sand-blasting has been popular in the past and is the worst for damaging masonry. Porous stones are equally susceptible. Harder, denser surfaces such as granite and concrete better withstand the blast.

Evaluate the reasons for removal and consider if the paint itself shouldn’t just be repainted as it might be part of the history of the place now. Advertising signs painted on the sides of masonry buildings in Mesa are historic now and tell wonderful stories.