Howdy folks,

Previous owner had spray painted that flecked fake stone paint on the bricks and stone of the fireplace mantle. I was wondering if there is any good chemical that can strip that stuff off well.

I have used various strippers for varnish and to take spray paint off metal, but with all the irregular surfaces of the stone I'm concerned about getting it all off.

TIA

 

I don't understand that statement. If you have real stone or brick I would try the least caustic first. Start with 'oops' or 'goof off', if not effective use laquer thinner before resorting to paint stripper. Scrubbing the area with something abrasive [that won't mar the surface] will aid in paint removal.

 

Hi Marksr-

You know those spray paints that are supposed to look like flecked stone? This was spray painted all over the brick of the mantle.

I didn't get it either when I first saw it. It just looks tacky.

Thanks for the advice, will give it a shot.

 

It may be a material like 'multi spec' If that is the case you may have a hard time removing it. Multi spec is a hard durable long lasting coating and will require paint stripper - possibly more than one application.

 

It may need sandblasting. Yea, I thought the idea was silly years ago. But sandblasting has gotten pretty refined. Still - its only a last resort.

 

I doubt you will get it off easily with stripper,it is nearly impossible to get all of it[nooks and crannies] and although you [more like a pro] can blast interior brick it will cause at least a little damage to the brick especially with sand .Maybe more than a little damage,especially if you do it . I would not use sand [sandblast]to clean the brick . if I chose to blast I would go with dfferent medium shells or something. If the brick is old it could be very soft and anything blasted would damage it.

If I chose to try and strip I would go with the one that you lay the covering on and leave it for like 24 hrs. You will still need to deal with the low spots aka the mortar.

Have to considered using brick veneer right over the existing fleckstone. I don't know if it is ok but may be worth a look. You can keep the mantel. If it is stone you can strip that. The end result would look new or old depending on what brick or stone you choose.It is not hard to do and looks like solid brick or stone.Many styles. Nobody knows.

You may get better help in the masonry forum or at least some other alternatives. They will never see it here!!!