How do you remove penetrating sealer from concrete?

• <div><p>Penetrating sealer seeps into concrete pores to protect it from moisture and staining, cracking, and mold caused by water. This means you cannot remove penetrating sealers like topical sealers. The good news is that penetrating sealant doesn’t have to be removed before resealing, as most topical sealers must. Instead, you’ll want to buy a compatible penetrating sealant (often the same kind already in the concrete) and apply it. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.</p></div>

Get matched with top interior painters in Highmore, SD

Q: Can you German smear over painted brick?

• <div><p>A traditional German schmear uses mortar, making it unsuitable for adherence to painted surfaces. Professionals recommend removing any existing paint before applying mortar. However, you can rough up the painted surface and clean it to test if the mortar will stick. Remember that the underlying paint's texture and color may affect the schmear's final appearance&mdash;so starting with a bare brick wall will ensure the ideal finish.</p></div>

Q: Will white vinegar remove paint from brick?

• <div><p>To remove paint from brick with vinegar, you can use the vinegar in much the same way you would paint stripper. However, vinegar needs significantly more time to soak into the paint. Apply the vinegar with a spray bottle, let it soak in, then scrub the paint's surface.</p></div>

Q: Can I remove lead paint myself, or should I hire a professional?

• <div><p>While the EPA provides guidelines for homeowners to perform DIY lead paint removal, it is a risky process and generally not recommended due to serious health risks and strict regulatory requirements. The process requires precise safety precautions, such as wearing a respirator and protective eyeglasses, creating sealed exits, and using a HEPA vacuum for cleanup. To ensure the job is done safely, effectively, and in compliance with regulations, it is highly recommended to hire a professional lead abatement company. Certified professionals have the necessary training, experience, and specialized equipment (like chemical strippers and HEPA vacuums) to handle and dispose of hazardous materials safely.</p></div>

Q: Can German schmear be removed?

• <div><p>Think hard before deciding to German schmear your home&rsquo;s exterior brickwork. If you do not like the look, you are pretty much stuck with it, as it is impossible to remove this finish the way you can remove paint. You risk damaging the underlying brick if you have to chisel and acid-wash it away. It will also take a very long time, and remnants of the mortar wash will always remain.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your interior painting project in Highmore, SD?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Interior painters in Highmore

True Grit Resolutions

5.0(

)

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 RoomsPainting or Staining - Small Projects

Serving Highmore, SD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Built a addition, was there on time and cleaned up his mess ,great guy"

Response rate92%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Interior Home or Surfaces - Paint or StainInterior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 Rooms+4 more

Serving Highmore, SD and surrounding areas

Credit card accepted

"Ecolecuá offers a unique collaborative approach with her clients. On our project, she struck the perfect balance; she listened to our ideas and feedback but very much maintained her role as the creative expert, making us feel comfortable the entire time. I would absolutely recommend Ecolecuá with no hesitation. With all she has done, she is going to find the right approach for just about any client. Aileen Dominguez Dentist, Boston, Massachusetts"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Welcome Home Moving Services

5.0(

)

Interior Home or Surfaces - Paint or StainInterior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 Rooms+4 more

Serving Highmore, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Jerome and Adam from J & Z Moving were great. They had my stuff loaded quickly and all of the furniture fit through the doors without being broken down."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

American Home Shield – Home Warranty

3.5(

5,689

)

Interior Home or Surfaces - Paint or StainInterior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 Rooms+4 more

Serving Highmore, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1971

Credit card accepted

"They don't use the same contractor. You don't always get the best. It's cheaper for major repairs. They cover everything, parts, labor."

Recommended by65%of homeowners

Request Quote

A&M Painting

New to Angi

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 Rooms

Serving Highmore, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!

Request Quote

James Hand Construction

5.0(

)

Interior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 5 + Rooms

Serving Highmore, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1979

Free estimates

"Was one of the most professional men, and pleases me with their work in a timely manner."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Hampton Enterprise LLC

3.7(

)

Interior Home or Surfaces - Paint or StainInterior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 Rooms+4 more

Serving Highmore, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He was awesome. He called back, but he was working in Reed field, North Carolina and he could not get to us for a couple of days. By the time, he got to us we had already gotten the other estimates, and we were pleased with him. Hampton guy was great. He was really quick to get back to us, but he had other projects that he had already lined up. The experience was very satisfactory. He was very courteous, and prompt. He was very honest in saying that he cannot get to us, and if we needed to have this work done now, then we need to have to get somebody else. I appreciated that."

Recommended by60%of homeowners

Request Quote

Johnny Boteler Construction

4.3(

)

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 5 + Rooms

Serving Highmore, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1974

Free estimates

"He did very good work and trustworthy"

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 5 + Rooms+3 more

Serving Highmore, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Alvarez Painting is locally owned and operated. We specialize in painting, and drywall for residential and commercial. We strive to deliver excellence in the quality, pricing and satisfaction of our work. We look forward to earning your business so call today and let us know how we can help.

Response time2 hrs

Response rate100%

Request Quote

Hamilton Drywall and Painting Inc.

New to Angi

Interior Painting or Staining: 3 - 4 RoomsInterior Painting or Staining: 5 + RoomsInterior Surfaces - Paint or Stain- For Business+1 more

Serving Highmore, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Hamilton Drywall and Painting Inc.

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 23

Interior Painting questions, answered by experts

A traditional German schmear uses mortar, making it unsuitable for adherence to painted surfaces. Professionals recommend removing any existing paint before applying mortar. However, you can rough up the painted surface and clean it to test if the mortar will stick. Remember that the underlying paint's texture and color may affect the schmear's final appearance—so starting with a bare brick wall will ensure the ideal finish.

To remove paint from brick with vinegar, you can use the vinegar in much the same way you would paint stripper. However, vinegar needs significantly more time to soak into the paint. Apply the vinegar with a spray bottle, let it soak in, then scrub the paint's surface.

While the EPA provides guidelines for homeowners to perform DIY lead paint removal, it is a risky process and generally not recommended due to serious health risks and strict regulatory requirements. The process requires precise safety precautions, such as wearing a respirator and protective eyeglasses, creating sealed exits, and using a HEPA vacuum for cleanup. To ensure the job is done safely, effectively, and in compliance with regulations, it is highly recommended to hire a professional lead abatement company. Certified professionals have the necessary training, experience, and specialized equipment (like chemical strippers and HEPA vacuums) to handle and dispose of hazardous materials safely.

Penetrating sealer seeps into concrete pores to protect it from moisture and staining, cracking, and mold caused by water. This means you cannot remove penetrating sealers like topical sealers. The good news is that penetrating sealant doesn’t have to be removed before resealing, as most topical sealers must. Instead, you’ll want to buy a compatible penetrating sealant (often the same kind already in the concrete) and apply it. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Think hard before deciding to German schmear your home’s exterior brickwork. If you do not like the look, you are pretty much stuck with it, as it is impossible to remove this finish the way you can remove paint. You risk damaging the underlying brick if you have to chisel and acid-wash it away. It will also take a very long time, and remnants of the mortar wash will always remain.

The Highmore, SD homeowners’ guide to interior painting services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Dan Simms
•
Oct 14, 2026Oct 14, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Paint the Interior of a House? [2026 Data]
The cost to paint the interior of a house depends on size, layout, type of surface, and more. Learn what factors can influence your total in this guide.
Nicole Harris Bocianski
•
Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Paint Your Home’s Interior and Exterior? [2026 Data]
Painting your home can give it a fresh new look, but how much will it cost? Here’s what you might pay for interior and exterior paint projects.
Kristin Luna
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026
How to Highlight Your Interior Paint With Lighting
Whether you’re painting an accent wall or overhauling your entire interior, you’ll want to consider the space’s lighting before committing to a paint color.
Deane Biermeier
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
5 Questions to Ask About Interior Painting or Staining
If your home's interiors need a revival, here are the staining or painting questions you should ask a contractor before getting started on a makeover.
Sharon Greenthal
•
Jul 15, 2026Jul 15, 2026
No-Fail Tips for Choosing Interior Paint Colors
Choosing interior paint colors can send you into a multi-colored panic. Take a deep breath and read these eight tips to help you pick out the perfect hues. We can help you find the ideal paint color so you can relax and enjoy your home.
Angi
•
Aug 26, 2026Aug 26, 2026
Interior Painting or Staining: Everything You Need to Know
Thinking about refreshing your walls with interior painting or staining? Learn about design options, average costs, and how to hire the right local pro.