Did a little more research and should have said to use a stiff natural bristle brush so as not to scratch the bricks, nylon scourer could also work. Could it be that the peel away has left a residue? In which case test a re application in a small area to see if it re activates the chemicals in the residue. Otherwise I’d test with warm water and detergent first to see if it comes off. Hopefully someone with more expertise than myself can advise further.

Hi,

Sanding the brick is the last option , most likely you remove the top surface of the brick opening to the matrix, which is softer. Please could you specify what are you trying to remove, as the photo doesn't show the surface well. Did bricks were painted or did they were covered in layer of grey cement, which could suggest that the wall was rendered? I found it often. The walls were painted to cover something like ugly surface or damage.

Peel away is a paint removal , and it will not work on cement.

Happy to help more, when I have more info.

Hi Joanna,

It is painted, not cemented. Where the paint came off it left a grey residue. I will try and remove it with a scourer and water. What do you think?

Thanks,

Sabrina

I wonder if it's a kind of slurry that was put on to help waterproof and bond the paint to the smooth bricks. I guess it is something like a mixture of SBR and cement mixed into a paste and painted on. The colour is certainly indicating it is a "tanking" mixture. I think that acid brick cleaner would be the only way to remove it but you're probably looking at having to re-point the mortar gaps after that.

i scrubbed this brick with nylon scrubber; took forever. Any easier way? Would the brick acid be quicker?

For bricks like this should I replace or try and repair?