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Stripping painted brick is slow because paint sinks deep into pores and mortar. The best paint stripper for brick stays wet long enough to soften every layer, then lifts off with plastic scrapers and a nylon brush instead of harsh blasting.
We compared a water-based remover, a professional-strength remover, a heavy-duty paste system, a sample test kit and the cover paper that keeps removers working.
Quick Answer: The Best Paint Stripper for Brick
- Best Overall: Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover, Water-Based Non-Caustic (1 Quart)
- Best for Heavy Build-Up: Smart Strip PRO Paint Remover, Professional Strength (1 Quart)
- Best for Old Oil and Lead Paint: Peel Away 1 Heavy-Duty Paint Removal System (1 Gallon Kit)
- Best Way to Test First: Dumond Complete Paint Removal Test Kit (Peel Away 1, Smart Strip Advanced and PRO)
- Best Add-On for Faster Results: Dumond Laminated Paper for Paint Removers (3 Sheets)
Smart Strip Advanced is the best paint stripper for brick for most homeowners because it is water-based, non-caustic and listed for brick and stone. Smart Strip PRO handles thicker build-up, and Peel Away 1 is the heavy-duty choice for old oil paint.
Best Paint Stripper for Brick Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover, Water-Based Non-Caustic (1 Quart) | Best Overall | Water-based non-caustic paint remover | Strips up to 15 layers, rated for brick and stone | Check Price |
| Smart Strip PRO Paint Remover, Professional Strength (1 Quart) | Best for Heavy Build-Up | Professional-strength paint remover | Up to 20 layers on brick, stone and concrete | Check Price |
| Peel Away 1 Heavy-Duty Paint Removal System (1 Gallon Kit) | Best for Old Oil and Lead Paint | Heavy-duty alkaline paint removal system | For old oil, alkyd and lead-based paint; up to 30 layers | Check Price |
| Dumond Complete Paint Removal Test Kit (Peel Away 1, Smart Strip Advanced and PRO) | Best Way to Test First | Sample kit of three removers | Test three removers before buying gallons | Check Price |
| Dumond Laminated Paper for Paint Removers (3 Sheets) | Best Add-On for Faster Results | Cover sheets for paint removers | Keeps remover wet and traps paint debris | Check Price |
The 5 Best Paint Stripper for Brick
Our picks for the best paint stripper for brick, ranked by brick compatibility, layers removed, safety and ease.
Smart Strip Advanced Paint Remover, Water-Based Non-Caustic (1 Quart)
1Smart Strip Advanced is a water-based, non-caustic remover from Dumond that the maker rates for up to 15 layers on brick, stone and other masonry.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Non-caustic, no neutralizing step on most surfaces
- Listed for brick and stone
- Works indoors and outdoors
Cons
- Slow; needs long dwell time
- Must stay wet; covering paper recommended
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Water-based, non-caustic
- Layers: Up to 15 (per maker)
- Surfaces: Brick, stone, wood, concrete, plaster, metal
- Removes: Acrylic, latex, oil and water-based coatings
- Size: 1 quart
Do a small test patch first; dwell times vary by coating.
Cover with laminated paper so it stays wet longer.
Smart Strip PRO Paint Remover, Professional Strength (1 Quart)
2Smart Strip PRO is Dumond’s stronger remover for heavy build-up of oil, latex and acrylic paint on masonry, with dwell times of up to 24 hours.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Removes heavy layer build-up
- Used on historic restoration projects
- Long working time
Cons
- Stronger formula; wear gloves and eye protection
- Slow dwell; plan a multi-day job
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Professional strength
- Layers: Up to 20 (per maker)
- Best on: Post-1980s oil, latex and acrylic paints
- Dwell: Up to 24 hours
- Surfaces: Brick, stone, concrete, plaster, wood, metal
Test first and check the label for neutralizing guidance.
Remove with a plastic scraper and nylon brush, not a wire brush.
Peel Away 1 Heavy-Duty Paint Removal System (1 Gallon Kit)
3Peel Away 1 is a heavy-duty paste system aimed at old oil, alkyd and lead-based paint, sold with laminated paper, neutralizer and a pH test kit.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Complete system with paper and neutralizer
- Built for old, thick oil paint
- Paper traps debris and dust
Cons
- Caustic; needs neutralizing and pH testing
- Designed for professionals; strict PPE needed
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Heavy-duty, alkaline
- Layers: Up to 30 (per maker)
- Best on: Old oil, alkyd and lead-based coatings
- Includes: Remover, laminated paper, neutralizer, pH test kit
- Size: 1 gallon kit
Follow the neutralizing and pH-testing steps exactly.
For pre-1978 homes, follow lead-safe work practices.
Dumond Complete Paint Removal Test Kit (Peel Away 1, Smart Strip Advanced and PRO)
4The Dumond test kit includes small samples of three removers so you can patch-test unknown paint layers before buying larger sizes.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Find the right remover first
- Saves money on large jobs
- Ideal for unknown paint layers
Cons
- Samples only
- Adds a day or two of testing
📄 Detailed Review
- Includes: 8 oz Peel Away 1, Smart Strip Advanced, Smart Strip PRO
- Also: Laminated paper, neutralizer, scraper
- Use: Patch tests on unknown paint
- Surfaces: Brick, stone, concrete, wood, plaster
- Made by: Dumond
Label each test patch and note dwell times.
Choose the remover that lifts to bare brick cleanly.
Dumond Laminated Paper for Paint Removers (3 Sheets)
5Dumond Laminated Paper covers applied remover so it stays wet longer and traps paint chips and dust underneath.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Removers work faster and better
- Traps debris for cleaner work
- Protects from sun and rain outdoors
Cons
- Extra cost
- Sheets only cover a limited area
📄 Detailed Review
- Use: Covers Dumond removers
- Benefit: Keeps product wet, speeds removal
- Debris: Traps chips and dust
- Pack: 3 sheets
- Use: Indoor and outdoor
Press it into the remover so there are no air pockets.
Peel paper and paint together into a disposal bag.
How We Chose the Best Paint Stripper for Brick
To choose the best paint stripper for brick, we compared what each remover is rated for on masonry, how many layers it handles, its hazards and the work involved.
If your home was built before 1978, test old paint for lead before sanding or scraping, following the EPA guide to reducing lead exposure at home.
Product details in this guide come from manufacturer specifications and patterns in verified owner feedback; we do not claim hands-on testing we have not done. Read more on our How We Test page.
Buying Guide: Best Paint Stripper for Brick
Use these points to choose the best paint stripper for brick.
Test a patch first
Every paint job is different; test in a hidden spot.
Lead check
Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint; test before scraping.
Keep it wet
Removers only work while moist; cover with laminated paper.
No wire brushes
Wire and sandblasting can scar brick faces; use nylon and plastic.
Plan dwell time
Some removers need 12 to 24 hours.
Rinse well
Rinse residue so new finishes or sealers bond.
Stripping Brick Tips
Patience over force.
- Test a hidden patch.
- Check for lead.
- Keep remover wet.
- Use nylon, not wire.
Questions about the best paint stripper for brick:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paint stripper for brick?
Smart Strip Advanced for most homeowner projects.
Can you strip paint off brick yourself?
Yes, with patience, the right remover and good PPE.
Does sandblasting damage brick?
It can erode the brick face; chemical removal is gentler.
How long does brick paint stripper take?
Often several hours to 24 hours, depending on the product and layers.
Do I need to neutralize brick after stripping?
Caustic products like Peel Away 1 need neutralizing; follow the label.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best paint stripper for brick is the Smart Strip Advanced. Choose the Smart Strip PRO if you want heavy build-up, or the Peel Away 1 Kit for old oil paint.
Related Guides
More brick sealer guides:
- Best Faux Brick on Amazon
- Best Paint for 3D Foam Brick Panels
- Best Paint for Exterior Brick
- Best Paint for Interior Brick That Will Not Peel
- Best Brick Paint for Ranch Homes
Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
