How To Remove Old Caulk From Brick

By  Melynda Sorrels

Things Needed

  • Heat gun

  • Wire brush

  • Paint scraper

  • Mineral spirits

  • Citristrip

Warning

Pressure washing to remove old caulk may damage the brick. Use caution and test a non-conspicuous area of the brick to ensure that it won't be damaged in the process of removing the caulk.

...

For all its many uses, the residual from caulk can make an unsightly and seemingly impossible-to-remove mess. Dried caulk adheres to brick and poses quite the problem in removing it. Caulk is impervious to most chemicals, so getting rid of caulk that is stuck on brick takes a little more patience and elbow grease, but it can be done.

Step 1

Use a heat gun to heat up the caulk and soften it to a putty-like consistency. Take a scraper and scrape away the caulk carefully so as not to damage the brick. Scrape until all the old caulk is removed. Be sure not to use a heat gun near windows.

Step 2

Use a strong wire brush or a paint scraper to scrape away old caulk being sure to wear thick gloves.

Step 3

Soften the caulk with mineral spirits and scrape away with a wire brush. Apply as much mineral spirits as necessary to remove the old caulk. Be sure to do this in a well ventilated area.

Step 4

Purchase Citristrip from a local home improvement store and follow the directions carefully before using.

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