Hi padgate-ga:
First things first, whitewash and limewash are different things -
especially when it comes to removing them.
Whitewash is water-soluble and much easier to remove than limewash.
Removing limewash, however, is not so straightforward.
"Virtually any coating can be removed from virtually any surface....
Notable exceptions are limewash and cement based paints (e.g.
"Snowcem"). Limewash (not to be confused with whitewash) is, once
cured, a thin layer of limestone. Like cement mortars, it can be very
slowly dissolved with an acidic cleaner but the process is extremely
time-consuming, as the product has to be continually re-applied.
Removal is therefore only practicable if the limewash is very thin.
There is no straightforward solution, as any form of air-abrasive
(blasting) or mechanical system will be destructive to the substrate.
On brickwork, try [ACICLEAN] liberally applied, brushed over every two
or three minutes and pressure-washed off every fifteen minutes. Wet
the surface thoroughly before you start, to minimize the penetration
of the product into the brickwork. If you use the pressure washer to
do this, it will blow off any loose areas of limewash at the same
time. See "Pressure-Washers"."
From: http://www.stripperspaintremovers.com/basic_principles.htm#a
This ACICLEAN product could be replaced by another acidic cleaner, if
desired. (This is *not* a commercial for ACICLEAN - I've never used
it, so cannot recommend it over another product.) If you wish a list
of other acidic cleaners, pleased let me know through the
clarification process.
The above website also has a list of good basic principles for
removing paint (or other coatings) from brickwork at:
http://www.stripperspaintremovers.com/I_want_to_remove.htm#2
Are you sure that what you have is limewash? If so, the above process
should work for you (assuming you wish to spend the time and effort).
If what you have is actually whitewash, please let me know through the
clarification process and I'll do further research on a method for its
removal.
Thank you.
websearcher-ga
Search Strategies on Google:
whitewash limewash
remove limewash brickwork |
Clarification of Answer by
websearcher-ga
on
14 Aug 2002 09:23 PDT
Hmmmmmmmm. When you tried the acidic brick cleaner, did you use a
method like I detailed in my original answer?
It will be hard to figure out what to do with your wall if we can't
figure out what it is covering it. Here's what I suggest:
1. Try the following method to see if it is whitewash:
* Always do a test on a sample area first (maybe out of sight or in a
corner).
* Use an ordinary scrubbing brush, and warm water to try and remove
the whitewash.
* Use a sponge to remove any residues scrubbed off the surface.
2. If that doesn't work, but the abrasive discs seem to, then I'd
suggest trying sandblasting.
"What is sandblasting? Sandblasting throws an abrasive against the
part being cleaned, exploding away contaminants. It is ideal for
removing deposits of paint, carbon, rust, and dirt. But it can also
work well on difficult to remove deposits like weld discoloration,
heat discoloration, anodizing, plating, and surface corrosion."
From: http://yp.bellsouth.com/sites/bhenterprises/page3.html
Since it is the same basic theory (i.e., abrasion), that is likely to
work and not take forever as doing it by hand will.
My advice would be to seek a local sandblasting company that will come
and give you a free appraisal of the job. If they tell you it isn't
something that can be sandblasted, odds are they'll tell you what can
remove whatever it is. Voila - a free analysis!
Please keep me informed of your progress through the clarification
feature. I'm a big fan of exposed brick and hope you have success in
getting it.
websearcher-ga
|
,
0 Comments
)