soft putty on brick work

[robinfisher]

Hi,

Can any one tell me how to remove soft putty from bick work, we have just had some window frames replaced and the soft putty from the old frames is left on the bricks.

thank you

Robin

 

[renovator]

Hi,

Can any one tell me how to remove soft putty from bick work, we have just had some window frames replaced and the soft putty from the old frames is left on the bricks.

thank you

Robin

Robin, traditional linseed putty is regarded as perishable i.e. it will deteriorate if left unpainted.
So the most ecological and effortless method is to scrape off what you can and leave the remainder of the old putty exposed to the elements and allow the linseed oil to evaporate causing the putty to harden and be able to be easily chipped off with a suitable scraper or wirebrush.

Alternatively you could use a solvent, turpentine or white spirit, to remove the putty but you run the risk of staining the brickwork.