How can I remove latex paint from a stone fireplace?

Rlb1569492
by Rlb1569492
There is a stone facade over block. I believe the mantel and hearth are slate. We have used a stripper on the hearth and have had some succes. I am concerned that there will be a residue of paint leftover.
Stone facade over block
Hearth with some of the paint removed with a gel stripper. The mantel is the same material as the hearth.
Front view. The discoloration is where the brass doors had been.
  8 answers
  • M. M.. M. M.. on Nov 25, 2017

    Have you experimented with stiff brushes?Maybe even a wire brush, not back and forth, but short, almost stabbing motions to get into the texture without scratching the stone? It may be slate-colored brick which is very soft so try anything in a hidden spot first.

  • Odi31540818 Odi31540818 on Nov 25, 2017

    You might want to try some muriatic acid (Hydrochloric acid) on a hidden surface. . . BUT check with a stone mason, or quarry, to see what effect it will have. . . DO NOT BRUSH ON! Just dab a little to see if it works. . .It may disolve some of the stone, but be careful. . . USE IT WITH A BREATHER as it has irritating fumes . . . . Be sure, if you check with a quarry, that you tell them the kind of stone you have. .. .

    • See 2 previous
    • Gene Gene on Nov 26, 2017

      if you use respirator , you should be properly fitted......other wise you may be over come by the gases.....and to be properly fitted you need a doctors report that says you're heart is strong enough to wear a restricted Breathing device......good luck.....

  • Dl.5660408 Dl.5660408 on Nov 25, 2017

    Brick is absorbent, so you probably won’t be able to remove all the paint residue. Some people like the look though. Good luck!

  • Shoshana Shoshana on Nov 26, 2017

    Use a stiff-bristle scrub brush to remove the paint and stripper; the stripper is water-soluble, so you can keep the scrub brush clean by immersing it in a bucket of water.

  • Patty Smith Patty Smith on Nov 26, 2017

    I use Goof Off, since it's a vertical clean I would dab it on let sit for 10 minutes. Use a soft wire brush to scrub it off. You m pay have to do it a couple time. Wipe off with hot wate. Then use a product called Greased Lightning and spray it on then wipe off with hot water, this will help take of the oily residue from the Goof Off. Good luck. I learned this method from my Grandfathe, he was a stone mason from Italy.

  • Nivasi Frankly-Speaks Nivasi Frankly-Speaks on Nov 26, 2017

    Latex is water based. easy to remove . hot soapy water and a stiff brush -

  • Roland Ronish Roland Ronish on Nov 26, 2017

    The removal can be done by blasting with soda (sodium bicarbonate( baking soda)) or nut shells. If you know someone with an air compressor, a cheap blasting unit can be found at Harbor Freight. It's a little messy, but easy to clean the powder up later. The stone will look like new.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Apr 05, 2021

    Hello,

    Slate is Porous and will draw paint in, It is also easily marked by tools. Try the Gel like Stripper! Best wishes.