The Challenge of Brick
Brick is the second most commonly tagged surface in Canadian cities, after concrete. Its porous nature makes it one of the most challenging surfaces for graffiti removal — spray paint seeps into tiny pores and mortar joints within minutes, bonding at a molecular level. Canada has millions of brick buildings, from Victorian-era heritage structures in Toronto and Montreal to modern commercial developments, each requiring a different approach to graffiti removal.
Best Methods for Brick
Chemical Removal
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Best overall for brick. Specialized alkaline-based solvents penetrate pores to dissolve paint without surface damage. Cost: $5–$8/sqft.
Laser Removal
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Best for heritage brick. Zero surface damage. Required for designated heritage buildings. Cost: $10–$20/sqft.
Sandblasting
⭐⭐⭐⭐Very effective but can damage soft or old brick. Use low-pressure soda blasting for gentler results. Cost: $5–$10/sqft.
Pressure Washing
⭐⭐⭐Good for fresh graffiti and sealed brick. Hot water improves results. Keep under 2,500 PSI. Cost: $3–$6/sqft.
Paint Over
⭐⭐Quick fix but changes brick appearance permanently. Only for already-painted brick surfaces. Cost: $1–$4/sqft.
Heritage Brick Considerations
Canada's heritage brick buildings require special care. Under the Ontario Heritage Act, the Quebec Cultural Heritage Act, and similar provincial legislation, heritage-designated buildings cannot have exterior work performed without municipal approval. This includes graffiti removal. Sandblasting and pressure washing are typically prohibited on heritage brick — laser removal is the standard approved method.
Heritage brick types found across Canada include: red clay brick (most common), yellow/buff brick (common in Ontario), grey limestone brick (Quebec), and sandstone brick (Maritimes). Each responds differently to removal methods. A professional assessment is essential — testing on an inconspicuous area should always precede full removal.
Step-by-Step Professional Process
- 1Assessment: Identify brick type, age, condition, mortar composition, and paint type.
- 2Test patch: Apply chosen method to a 1 sqft hidden area and wait 24 hours.
- 3Surface preparation: Dry brush loose debris. Mask adjacent surfaces.
- 4Chemical application: Apply brick-specific graffiti remover. Let dwell 15–30 minutes.
- 5Agitation: Work chemical into brick pores with stiff nylon brush.
- 6Rinse: Low-pressure water rinse (under 2,500 PSI). Rinse from top to bottom.
- 7Inspection: Check results under natural light. Repeat treatment if needed.
- 8Neutralize: Apply pH-neutral rinse to stop chemical reaction.
- 9Protection: Apply anti-graffiti coating once surface is fully dry (48–72 hours).
Brick Graffiti Removal Costs in Canada
| Method | Per Sqft | 100 Sqft Job | Heritage Safe? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Removal | $5–$8 | $500–$800 | Yes |
| Laser Removal | $10–$20 | $1,000–$2,000 | Yes (preferred) |
| Sandblasting (soda) | $5–$10 | $500–$1,000 | With care |
| Pressure Washing | $3–$6 | $300–$600 | Low pressure only |
| Paint Over | $1–$4 | $100–$400 | No |
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