why we start with a test patch

Before starting any full paint removal, I always carry out a small test patch. It’s the most reliable way to get a better understanding of the brickwork beneath the coating — revealing its true condition and giving both you and me a clearer idea of what we’re working with.

Paint can often hide a lot more than people realise. Beneath the surface, there could be previous repair work, mismatched mortar, or areas where the bricks have weathered differently over time. During the test patch, I also look closely at the natural colour and surface condition of the bricks, and whether there are carbon deposits or staining that might influence the overall finish once the paint is gone.

The number of paint layers and how long they’ve been on the wall can also affect the condition underneath. The thicker and older the coatings, the more likely they’ve trapped moisture or caused surface damage over time.

In some cases, especially on older properties, the test patch might also reveal a cement-based mineral coating beneath the modern paint. These coatings are usually brittle but breathable, and while they can’t be fully removed without damaging the surface, they often remain stable once the non-breathable paint above is stripped away.

At this stage, it’s simply about understanding what’s there — not deciding on any extras. Most customers wait until the majority of the paint has been removed before deciding whether they’d like additional brick cleaning to brighten the wall further or leave a bit of its original character.

That said, even after a test patch, other areas can still vary. Some sections may have been repointed or repaired at different times, and brickwork that looks identical on the surface can behave differently once exposed. The test patch helps set realistic expectations and gives you a good idea of the overall condition — but the full picture only becomes clear once the entire wall is revealed.

It also helps me plan the right approach for your brickwork — from the method or combination of methods we use, to the pressure levels and water flow rates. This ensures we achieve an effective paint removal while being as delicate as possible at all times