Painted garden brickwork failing - repoint or chemically remove all paint?

[canofham]

Hi all,

I laid some brickwork in my garden a few years ago using porous imperial multi bricks, a weak mortar and then painted with Dulux Weathershield Masonry.

I realise now that was a terrible combination of products to choose as the porous bricks and mortar absorb moisture, but can't release it through the plastic masonry paint.

I've tried removing as much flaking paint and blown mortar/brick faces as I can with a scraper, and now have a decision whether to

1. proceed with pointing using a lime mortar, and then paint after 28 days with a breathable Earthborn Ecopro Silicate masonry paint

2. call in specialists to remove the remaining paint using a chemical paintstripper.

Any thoughts on best course of action?

 

[Larry1990]

I had a similar issue but with Sandtex masonry paint (allegedly microporous and breathable, HA!). I scraped off all the flaking bits and gave it a good going over with a stiff brush. When I was left with only sound paint left I painted the exposed areas with a couple of watered down coats (about 1 water to 4 paint). Only did this in spring so don't know if it'll totally solve it and how it will fare over winter, it seems to soak into the masonry more than sitting on top of it. I've got loads of paint left and buggered if I'm taking it all off.

Neighbour has the same problem and paints his walls every year but he seems to like painting...

Good luck.