Replies

1. 
   chile_head | Jun 03, 2006 08:18pm | #1

   Have you tried a pressure washer?

   Muriatic acid is pretty nasty stuff. You definately need to wear gloves, googles, and an acid vapor respirator, even outside. When you splash it on yourself, make sure to rinse it off immediately or it burns like crazy. Oh, and the vapors of it will corrode almost anything. Don't leave any tools that you like laying around near it.

   I have a '50's house with block basement walls with peeling paint. It did a great job on the bare block, but didn't really touch the paint: probably not what you want. I didn't know it was possible for mildew to dissappear that fast, though.

   Edited for spelling. Kind of.

   
   

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   Edited 6/3/2006 1:20 pm ET by chile_head

1. 
   cedarcreek | Jun 04, 2006 12:40am | #5

   Thanks for the advice, I'll try the pressure washer first.

2. 
   Danno | Jun 03, 2006 11:04pm | #2

   I think you'd have better luck with just a paint stripper--like gel form so it sticks. I'd test it first and see what it does to the stone, but I would think it would ultimately be less harmful to the stone and mortar and more harmful to the paint than acid.

1. 
   ericicf | Jun 03, 2006 11:56pm | #3

   Find a high pressure "water demolition" contractor.

   Incredible the pressures new machines can put out. http://www.putzmeister.com

1. 
   cedarcreek | Jun 04, 2006 12:42am | #7

   Thanks for the link, good idea.

2. 
   cedarcreek | Jun 04, 2006 12:41am | #6

   Thanks for the idea, I'll check the hardware store for the gel based thinner.

3. 
   Shavey | Jun 04, 2006 12:33am | #4

   Sand blasting is another option for you to explore , most rental centers will have them and you can get some sand called black beauty..it will take off your paint for sure but experiment on something else before you try on you walls because a little goes along way with sand blasting.Good luck!!!

1. 
   cedarcreek | Jun 04, 2006 12:45am | #8

   Thanks for the info. I didn't know you could rent sandblasters. I thought I'd have to hire a contractor.

4. 
   Orbs | Jun 04, 2006 12:50am | #9

   have to agree with the sandblasting, pressure washer will only take off the loose and peeling paint unless it is under very high pressure but then the spray pattern will be very small and take you forever. here in so. california where most of the houses are stucco, sandblasting is quite common and you can rent a unit from a local yard or there are a lot of companies who do it. if you do it yourself be advised that you must tape up every, and I mean every, window and door seams and any vents or anything that the sand can get into the house.

   good luck

   Orbs

5. 
   jimxxx | Jun 04, 2006 12:58am | #10

   Muriatic acid does a great job of cleaning mortar off brick because it chemically reacts with the calcium oxides in the cement abd makes them water soluable so they can be washed off. It will likewise disolve some of the material if you are using it on limestone, but generally not enough to be of concern. Brick & sandstone & granite are not disolved. And It will also erode most steel & copper. It might disolve paint but would have to be so concentrated as to not be safe to use. Follow the advice & power wash or use a paint scraper

    

1. 
   davidmeiland | Jun 04, 2006 07:15am | #11

   You've got some definite knowledge of chemistry. Welcome aboard.

6. 
   Piffin | Jun 04, 2006 04:26pm | #12

   Muriatic acid works on certain kinds of cleaning by chmically breaking the band. generally to clean mortar off surface because it has a base conection that is broken by acid. It is mixed with water to a strength that will do the jhob without hurting the stone or brick surface, scrubbed, and tjhen rinsed right awayu to avoid further damage.

   but your paint has a different kind of chemical/mechanical bond. I doubt the acid willl help, though you could spot try it in an incomnspicupous place. Gel paint remover might work but it would be expenmsive.

   You can have it sandblasted with ground walnut shell. Using regular sand might damage the mortar joints.

    

    

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