How To Remove Wood Stain From Brick
Do you love the look of brick but not the maintenance it requires? You’re not alone. Brick is among the most popular home exterior finishes, with its rich reds, blues, and grays evoking images of cozy New England cottages and Old World castles.
If you have brick siding on your home or another building that you own, you may be wondering if there is a way to make it last longer than the typical 25-year lifespan that most brick has. Luckily, if you have red or orange brick that has been stained with wood stain, there is an easy way to remove the stain so your brick will last longer.
This article will help you understand why wood stains can shorten the life of your bricks, how to remove them effectively, and what other precautions you can take to protect your bricks from damage caused by wood stains.
Why Brick Stains Shorten the Life of Your Home’s Exterior
Before you get into the specifics of how to remove wood stain from brick, you should understand why it causes so much damage in the first place. Most exterior surfaces, such as wood siding, stucco, and vinyl and aluminum siding, are designed to last around 20 years, but brick can last up to 100 years when it’s not stained.
Staining your brick is a great way to add color and curb appeal to your home, but unfortunately, wood stains are extremely acidic and can cause this natural stone to deteriorate at a much faster rate. Wood stains can cause corrosion, discoloration, and cracking of brick. If you notice peeling, bubbling, or the stain has darkened after a year or two, you should consider removing the stain and applying a more long-lasting finish.
How to Remove Wood Stain from Brick
If you have red or orange brick and it has been stained with wood stain, you can remove the stain to keep your bricks lasting as long as they can. The best way to remove wood stain from brick is to use a chemical cleaner.
To do this, mix up a solution of muriatic acid and water. This chemical comes in liquid form and can be purchased at your local hardware store. Wear rubber gloves and safety goggles while working with it, and keep your skin and eyes away from the solution. To remove wood stain from brick, apply a thick coat of the solution to the stained areas and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Why Does Wood Stain Discolor Brick?
Wood stains work by collecting and holding onto the tannin that naturally comes from tree bark. This sounds like a harmless process, but tannin is actually incredibly acidic and can actually wear away at the surface of your bricks, causing discoloration.
Other Tips to Protect Brick from Wood Stain
If you love the look of stained brick but want to make sure it lasts as long as possible, there are a few things you can do to help protect it.
First, seal the brick before you stain it with a product like a stucco sealer. This will help keep the stain from penetrating the surface and will make it easier to clean off when you want to remove the stain. While stain will protect the brick from UV rays and water, it will also lock in the natural oils in the brick. This can cause the brick to discolor over time.
If you want to keep your brick looking fresh, you can clean your brick with water-only methods twice a year to remove the built-up oils and dirt.
Conclusion
Protecting your brick from wood stain is easy to do and will help it last longer on your home’s exterior. If you notice your brick has been stained with wood stain, you can remove it with a chemical cleaner. Make sure to seal your brick before you stain it to protect it from the damaging effects of the stain.
