Limewash Removal HELP!!

[zaceverett]

I have an old cottage built with soft red brick in need of repainting.
It's been painted with multiple layers of thick modern impermeable paint which is cracking and peeling.

I want to strip it back to brick to then paint with something like seciltek silicate paint.

I am using Peelaway7 and Solvistrip to remove the new paint which although time consuming is doing the job.
What I am left with is thick patchy layers of limewash.
I have been using a needle gun to then remove this back to brick. This is working but most probably to the detriment of the brick as brick dust comes off.

Is there anything gentler that can remove this hard limewash?

Here is the problem


Here is a pic after using NeedleGun


Here is a pic after Thermatec(seems more destructive)

 

[Flyfisher]

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[Flyfisher]

Are you totally set on getting back to the brick? Would you consider just removing all the paint and then re-limewashing the brickwork? Because that will be the easiest and least damaging option.

Alternatively, check the guidelines for the silicate paint as it may be ok to apply it over the limewash.

Here’s the advice about limewash removal from Strippers Paint Removers who know a thing or two about all manner of painted coverings:
https://www.stripperspaintremovers.com/knowledgebase/can-i-remove-limewash/

 

[zaceverett]

My only concern is that due to the thickness of the limewash any cover up job will look patchy. I think that may be why the previous owners used a stipple effect modern masonry paint to try and hide the patches.

Thanks for the link I'll see if they can help, any ideas much appreciated.

 

[MatthewC]

Are you totally set on getting back to the brick? Would you consider just removing all the paint and then re-limewashing the brickwork? Because that will be the easiest and least damaging option.

Here’s the advice about limewash removal from Strippers Paint Removers who know a thing or two about all manner of painted coverings:
https://www.stripperspaintremovers.com/knowledgebase/can-i-remove-limewash/

I can see why you want to remove that stuff but surely it isn't limewash? It looks as though it was thick and gloopy when applied, so could be Snowcem (mentioned in that link as also being difficult) or it's whitewash (don't ask me what's in that!). If it's real limewash it wouldn't need removing if it's on the brick.

If in fact someone has limewashed over some other paint then that paint is what you need to worry about removing, not the limewash which would come off with whatever is underneath.