Removing paint spot from brick wall

Q. In repainting a balcony floor, paint was inadvertently brushed onto a brick wall. How can the paint on the bricks be removed? A reader Cincinnati, Ohio

A. First, try removing the paint with a wire brush. Avoid, if possible, damaging and surface of the brick. Short of sand- or water-blasting, if the brushing does not work, we suggest you apply a commercial paint remover. Work it into the painted surface with a wire brush also. Rinse and repeat, if necessary.