How To Remove Plaster From Brick: Simple DIY

Get rid of unwanted plaster and expose brick walls with these simple techniques to help add character and charm back into your home.

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In August of 2021 we bought an old house with 7 fireplaces. I knew there would be brick behind the plaster and that I wanted an exposed brick walls in our master bedroom, kitchen, and possibly dining room. If you too are wanting to remove plaster from brick fireplaces you are in the right place. I was in love with the look of the brick so I was on a mission to bring the vintage brick back to life. I have only ever done this method on plaster brick on interior walls never exterior. The results may vary on exterior walls. 

Removing Plaster From Brick Wall

Something you should know before starting this project is that soft brick will get damaged if you are not careful with whatever method you choose. Before starting to remove any of the old plaster you need to ensure that your bricks and the mortar are both in good condition.

Trying to figure out how to remove lime plaster from brick or horsehair plaster can be a daunting task, but it’s necessary if you want to restore your brickwork to its original beauty. Plaster is often applied to brick walls as a cheap and easy way to cover up imperfections or create a smooth surface for painting. However, over time, the plaster can crack and peel, leaving an unsightly mess on your bricks. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to remove plaster from brick without damaging the underlying masonry. In this article, we’ll explore some of these techniques and provide step-by-step instructions on how to rid your bricks of unwanted plaster. So if you are exposing brick you are in the right place! 

How to Remove Plaster From Brick

Removing plaster from brick and exposing brick walls can be a daunting task but it is possible with the right tools and techniques.

Disclaimer: Before starting this project examine the condition of the bricks and mortar. If you have crumbling brick or mortar DO NOT do this project. Crumbling brick can be extremely dangerous. Get it inspected by a professional. Based on what city and state you live in you will need to check ordinances. You may have to have a permit to do the demo work yourself. You will also have to check with your city and state on proper methods of plaster disposal. 

Equipment

• Hammer
• Chisel
• Pry bar
• Respirator or dust mask (respirator is best)
• Wire brush
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Dust mask
• Drill
• Sanding attachment for drill
• Plastic sheeting/dust cover
• Shop vac
• Bucket
• Water
• Rags

Instructions

Removing Plaster From Brick Chimney

Step 1: Gather your tools and materials.

Step 2: Cover the surrounding area including the floor with plastic sheeting to protect it from debris. The dust is going to get anywhere and everywhere. This is an extremely messy job. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask to protect yourself from dust particles.

Step 3: Start by using the hammer and chisel or any plaster removal tool to chip away at the plaster. Use the pry bar to remove larger chunks of plaster that may be more difficult to remove with just a hammer or chisel. Be careful not to go too deep with the chisel because you will damage the brick. Avoid hitting extremely hard you do not want to mess with the structural quality of the brick by disrupting the mortar holding the bricks together.

How to Clean Plaster Off Brick

Step 4: Once you have removed as much of the plaster as possible with your tools, use a drill and the sanding attachment to begin removing any remaining plaster. Apply moderate pressure over the mortar joints to remove excess mortar. Some brick like ours was never meant to be exposed when it was installed years ago. The original mortar was extremely messy with globs on the face of the bricks that was never removed. If you have this same issue or have plaster on the surface of the brick then using the sanding attachment and drill sand the entire surface. If you don’t have a drill you can use a wire brush to clean off any remaining residue.

Remove Old Plaster or Skim

Step 5: After removing the bulk of the plaster you will be left with a thin layer on your plaster walls sometimes referred to as skim. It is just an extremely thin coating of plaster. Depending on how much of it you want removed continue step 4 until you achieve the look you want. Use water and a sponge to rinse off any debris left on the brick surface. Make sure all debris has been completely removed before moving on.

Step 6: Allow time for the brick surface to dry completely before sealing it. Even after you remove all of the plaster the brick will look hazey. In order to get a bright finished look like in the picture below you will need to clean the brick thoroughly. (I used muriatic acid to clean mine.)

How to Remove Plaster Residue From Brick?

There are several different options to removing plaster residue from bricks. If you are looking for a more natural solution you can try mixing equal parts of white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution generously over areas where there is stubborn residue left behind by dried-up plaster.

We had horsehair plaster in our early 1900’s farmhouse and nothing seemed to remove the residue. I ended up using Muriatic acid. I started out using about 1/4 cup of Muriatic acid to a gallon of water. It is important to wear proper PPE when using Muriatic acid.

Do not use one method of plaster residue removal immediately followed by another. You cannot mix chemicals or you will get chemical reactions that could damage your bricks. If trying different options you have to neutralize between chemicals.

Cost to Remove Plaster From Brick

The good thing about removing plaster from walls is that there can be next to no cost if you are doing it yourself with tools you already have on hand. There is no plaster removal machine or atleast to my knowledge there isn’t. It just requires a lot of time and patience to remove. Removing plaster from brick can be time-consuming but it is worth it if you want an exposed brick look or if you’re restoring an older home or just doing home improvement.

In conclusion, removing plaster from brick can be a daunting task but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done effectively. It is important to take safety precautions such as wearing protective gear and working in a well-ventilated area. The use of chemical strippers or power tools may expedite the process but can also damage the brick surface if not used carefully. Alternatively, manual methods such as chiseling and sanding may take longer but provide greater control over the removal process. Ultimately, the key is to find a method that works best for your specific situation and take your time to ensure a successful outcome.

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