Leo Martínez
Painting brick walls, fireplaces, or exteriors is a great way to protect the surface and update the look of your space. While brick is a beautiful and timeless building material, some homeowners may want to conceal minor defects or simply change the colour. Before painting brick, it is important to clean it thoroughly and let it dry completely. You should also consider how recently the brick was installed, as new brick can exude a powdery substance and will need at least a month to cure before painting. Once the prep work is complete, you can apply a coat of primer and then use a roller or brush to paint the brick with a paint formulated for masonry or a latex paint.
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What You'll Learn
Use a primer
Painting brickwork that is already painted is a tricky task. Brick is a porous material that allows moisture to pass through, helping to regulate humidity and prevent moisture from being trapped within walls. Painting brickwork can trap moisture, leading to deterioration and damage.
If you are set on painting previously painted brickwork, it is imperative to begin by applying a coat of primer to the brick wall. Before you prime, clean the brickwork with a wire brush and soapy water to remove any loose paint and debris. Once cleaned, allow the brickwork to dry completely for 24 hours. Then, apply a latex primer with a high-quality, nylon-polyester brush. If there are areas of efflorescence or mildew, you may need to apply multiple coats of primer. Allow the primer to dry completely before painting.
It is important to use a primer that is specifically designed for masonry surfaces. A high-quality primer will ensure the paint job is successful and will help the paint adhere to the brickwork. The primer will also help to fill any small holes or gaps in the brickwork, creating a smooth surface for painting.
In addition to priming, there are alternative methods to change the appearance of brickwork. One option is to apply a thin layer of mortar over the brick and mortar joints, creating a technique known as a mortar wash or German smear. This method subtly alters the colour of the brick while still allowing portions of the brickwork to be visible. Another option is limewashing, a traditional finish used on historic masonry buildings. Limewashing offers a light or whitewashed look while maintaining the brick's texture and breathability. Brick staining is also an option that provides a cost-effective solution to change the colour of brickwork while maintaining the appearance of natural brick.
Remember, painting brick should be a last resort. If possible, consider alternative methods to alter the appearance of your brickwork.
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Choose the right paint
When it comes to choosing the right paint for brick that has already been painted, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it is crucial to determine whether the bricks are located indoors or outdoors. Exterior bricks have specific requirements and necessitate the use of a particular type of paint designed for outdoor surfaces.
For exterior bricks, it is essential to select a paint that allows the bricks to breathe. Bricks are porous, absorbing moisture, and if a paint is not breathable, moisture can become trapped, leading to deterioration and damage to the brickwork. Therefore, opt for a paint specifically formulated for exterior brick, such as masonry paint, which offers weather resistance and the ability to adhere to mineral surfaces. These paints are generally water-based and provide a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, with some lasting 25 years or more. While most masonry paints offer some level of weather resistance, not all are waterproof, so choose carefully.
Exterior latex paint is a suitable option, as it provides a porous finish that allows moisture to escape from the bricks. This type of paint is also effective for interior bricks, as it is quick-drying and easy to clean up. However, if you prefer an oil-based paint, be aware that it will require a more intricate removal process, possibly involving a professional or a stripping product.
For interior bricks, a paint formulated for masonry or a latex paint is recommended. If you are painting a fireplace, ensure you use heat-proof paint. A higher-sheen formula is often chosen for brick due to its resistance to marring and staining. However, an eggshell or flat finish can also be used if that aligns with your desired aesthetic.
Before selecting a paint colour, it is essential to assess the condition of the bricks. If there are cracks or holes, these must be filled and smoothed to create an even surface for painting. Additionally, ensure the bricks are thoroughly cleaned and free of any loose debris, dust, or flaking paint. Proper preparation is key to ensuring the paint adheres well and the final product looks uniform and professional.
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Prepare the brick surface
Painting brick is a relatively permanent decision, so it's important to prepare the brick surface properly to achieve a professional and long-lasting finish.
Firstly, assess the age of the brick. If the brick has just been installed, it's recommended to wait at least a month for new brick and mortar to cure, or about a year for the brick to dry out and acclimate before painting. This is because brand-new brick can exude a powdery substance, and you want to avoid a chalky finish that won't hold paint well.
Next, thoroughly clean the brick surface. For exterior brick, a power washer will ensure the surface is truly clean. For interior brick, sweeping and dusting may be sufficient. If there is soot, such as on a fireplace, use a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner with a wire brush. Mix half a cup of TSP with a gallon of water in a bucket. If you encounter mildew, apply a solution of one part bleach to three parts water, let it soak for 30 minutes, then scrub with a wire brush. Avoid acid cleaning solutions as these may compromise the paint job. After cleaning, allow the brick to dry completely for about 24 hours.
Once the brick is clean and dry, inspect it for any defects. If you see hairline cracks, loose bricks, or other issues, address these properly before proceeding with the paint. If there are gaps or holes, fill them with a high-quality acrylic caulk or paintable polyurethane caulk.
Now, you're ready to start applying the primer. Use a high-quality, nylon-polyester brush to apply a coat of latex primer to the brick. If there are areas affected by efflorescence or mildew, you may need to apply multiple coats. Allow the primer to dry completely for about 3 hours before moving on to the next step.
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Apply paint
Painting brick is a permanent decision, so it's important to be confident about your choice. If you're painting interior brick, a simple sweep and dust should suffice. However, if you're painting an exterior wall, use a power washer to get it truly clean. Remember to let the brick dry completely before applying any paint.
Before applying paint, use a wire brush and soapy water to clean the area. Then, apply a coat of primer to the brick wall. A latex primer is a good option, and if the brick has been affected by mildew, you may need to apply multiple coats. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Now, you're ready to apply the paint. Use a roller to coat the brick, then fill in the gaps with a brush. If you're painting an exterior wall, a sprayer is the preferred method for applying paint. You can use any sheen or formula as long as you've primed. However, if you're painting the interior of a fireplace, be sure to use heat-proof paint.
Remember that painting brick should be a last resort, as it can trap moisture and lead to deterioration. If you're looking for alternative methods to update the look of your brick, consider surface-applied mortar, limewash, or staining.
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Consider alternatives to painting
If you're looking to change the colour or appearance of your brick, there are several alternatives to painting that offer more benefits and avoid the drawbacks of painting. Here are some options to consider:
Mortar Wash and German Smear
Mortar Wash involves applying a thin layer of mortar over the existing brick and mortar joints, subtly altering the overall colour of the brick façade. German Smear is a similar technique but uses a mortar wash instead of diluted paint. These techniques can add instant old-world character and disguise imperfections in the brickwork. However, keep in mind that mortar wash is a temporary solution, and reapplying it can be time-consuming and labour-intensive.
Lime Wash
Lime Wash is a traditional finish used on historic masonry buildings. It offers a light or whitewashed look that can either fully cover the brickwork or allow portions of it to be visible. Lime Wash is made from crushed limestone burned and mixed with water to create a lime putty. It keeps the brick's texture and breathability, offers buildable colour intensity, and weathers naturally.
Staining
Brick staining is a practical and cost-effective solution to change the colour of brick or brick-and-mortar surfaces while maintaining the appearance of natural or unaltered brickwork. Staining is a good option if you want to change the colour of your brick without painting it.
Pressure Washing
If your bricks are simply looking dull or dirty, consider pressure washing to give them an instant facelift. This process blasts away dirt, grime, algae, mould, and more, leaving your bricks looking like new. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the surface.
Update Fixtures and Features
Instead of altering the brick itself, consider updating fixtures and features that complement the original brick. This can include new shutters, trim, doors, lighting, fascia, gutters, porch railings, garage doors, windows, and more. These upgrades can modernise your home without the need to paint the brick.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting brick can be an easy way to update the look of any exterior or interior space. However, it is important to note that painting brick can have several drawbacks and should be approached with caution. Brick is porous, and painting it can trap moisture inside, leading to deterioration. It is also a permanent decision, and removing paint once it has been applied is challenging.
Before painting, it is crucial to clean the brick surface thoroughly to ensure that the paint adheres well. For exterior brick, a power washer can be used, while interior brick may only require sweeping and dusting. If there is soot on interior brick, a trisodium phosphate (TSP) cleaner and a wire brush can be used. After cleaning, the brick should be allowed to dry for about 24 hours.
It is recommended to use a high-quality primer specifically designed for masonry surfaces before applying paint. A latex primer is suitable for brick, and multiple coats may be needed if the brick has been affected by efflorescence or mildew. After priming, use a roller or brush to apply paint formulated for masonry or latex paint.
Several alternative methods can be considered to change the colour or appearance of brick without painting:
- Surface-applied Mortar (Mortar Wash and German Smear): Applying a thin layer of mortar over the existing brick and mortar joints subtly alters the overall colour while allowing portions of the brickwork to be visible.
- Limewash: A traditional finish used on historic masonry buildings, Limewash offers a light or whitewashed look that can fully cover or partially reveal the brickwork. It preserves the brick's texture and breathability and offers a buildable colour intensity.
- Staining: Brick stain is a cost-effective solution to change the colour of brick while maintaining the appearance of natural brickwork.
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