Over time, painted brick can start to peel, fade, or simply fall out of style. If you’re ready to restore the natural beauty of your brick walls or home exterior, pressure washing might seem like a fast and effective solution. But while a pressure washer can help, it’s not as simple as just spraying and walking away.

Brick is a durable material, but it’s also porous and can be damaged if handled the wrong way. In this guide, we’ll break down how to remove paint from brick using a pressure washer—along with the most important dos and don’ts to protect your surface and get the job done right.

Can You Use a Pressure Washer to Remove Paint from Brick?

Yes—but only if you do it carefully. Pressure washers can blast away layers of old paint from brick walls, but they can also erode the surface, weaken mortar joints, or even crack the brick itself if the pressure is too high. That’s why learning the right technique is key to safe and successful paint removal from brick.

DO: Use the Right Pressure Setting

When using a pressure washer on brick, stay in the range of 500 to 1000 PSI. Anything higher can damage the brick face or loosen mortar. Always start with the lowest setting and slowly increase if needed.

Professional San Diego painters, like those at San Diego Custom Painting, often use commercial-grade machines with adjustable pressure to ensure no harm is done to historic or aged brick.

DON’T: Use a Narrow Nozzle

A narrow spray nozzle concentrates pressure into a small area. This may seem like a good idea for removing tough paint—but on brick, it can actually chip or gouge the surface.

Instead, choose a 25- or 40-degree fan tip nozzle, which spreads the water more gently over a wider area. This still removes paint but lowers the risk of brick damage.

DO: Wet the Brick First

Before spraying with full pressure, soak the area with plain water using your pressure washer on a wide spray setting. This helps loosen the paint and prevents dry debris from being pushed into the pores of the brick.

This is especially helpful if you're preparing for repainting after removal. If so, San Diego Custom Painting’s Exterior Painting Services in San Diego can help with the next step of protecting your brick with a high-quality, breathable finish.

DON’T: Skip a Paint Stripper (Optional but Helpful)

If the paint is thick or layered, you might need more than just water. Apply a biodegradable, eco-safe paint remover to soften the paint first. Let it sit as directed, then follow up with pressure washing. This combination makes how to remove paint from brick much easier—and with less wear on the surface.

Avoid using harsh chemical strippers, especially near plants or soil, and never mix them with pressure washing runoff.

DO: Work in Sections

Instead of blasting the entire surface at once, divide the brick wall into small sections. Pressure wash one area at a time, working from top to bottom. This gives you better control and helps you spot any issues like flaking or crumbling mortar early.

Keep your hand steady and maintain a consistent distance of 12–18 inches from the surface while washing.

DON’T: Forget Safety Gear

Pressure washers can bounce debris back at you quickly. Always wear goggles, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. If you're using a ladder for high walls, make sure it's secured, and never use a pressure washer while standing on an unstable surface.

For large or hard-to-reach projects, it's best to call in professionals. San Diego Custom Painting offers trusted Interior Painting Services in San Diego and exterior restoration services that protect your home—and your safety.

DO: Inspect and Repair Brick After Washing

Once the paint is removed, check your brickwork for damage. Look for loose mortar, cracks, or chips. Before repainting or sealing, the brick should be fully dry and in solid condition.

Paint may have been covering up damage you couldn’t see before. Addressing it now helps avoid future problems like moisture leaks or wall deterioration.

DON’T: Expect It All to Come Off in One Go

Be patient. Removing paint from brick is a time-consuming job, especially if the paint is old or peeling unevenly. You might need several passes with the pressure washer, combined with light scrubbing in tough spots.

Don’t try to rush by increasing the pressure or using harsh tools—that will only damage the brick and cost more to fix later.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to remove paint from brick using a pressure washer takes the right knowledge and care. With proper settings, safe techniques, and a little patience, you can bring back the natural charm of your brick surfaces without damaging them.

However, for large areas or older homes, it’s smart to hire professionals who understand both paint removal and masonry preservation. San Diego Custom Painting is a trusted name in Spring Valley and surrounding areas, offering careful and eco-conscious paint removal, restoration, and repainting services.

From Exterior Painting Services in an Diego to safe interior solutions, their experienced team ensures every job is done right the first time. If you're ready to refresh your brick without risking damage, they’re just a call away.