Isabella Flores
Painting the mortar between bricks can be a great way to refresh the look of a brick wall or fireplace, especially if you're planning to sell your home or redecorate a room. It can also help seal the mortar to prevent crumbling and make it easier to keep clean. Before painting, it's important to prepare the surface by cleaning the bricks and repairing any cracks or loose mortar. Once the surface is ready, you can use a brush, roller, or paint sprayer to apply a primer and paint. The type of paint and tools you use may depend on whether the wall is internal or external, and the width of the mortar lines.
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What You'll Learn
- Prep work: Brush down the wall with a scrubbing brush to remove loose materials
- Priming: Use a primer for better adhesion of the paint
- Paint selection: Choose a paint that is suitable for the surface, e.g. acrylic latex for exterior brick
- Painting tools: Depending on the width of mortar lines, use a brush, roller, or paint sprayer
- Cleaning: Clean the bricks with TSP or other cleaning solutions before painting
Prep work: Brush down the wall with a scrubbing brush to remove loose materials
Before painting mortar between bricks, it is important to prepare the wall by removing any loose materials that could affect adhesion. This process is known as "prep work" and is crucial for ensuring the paint adheres properly to the surface.
To begin, use a scrubbing brush to brush down the entire wall. This will help to loosen and remove any dirt, dust, or cobwebs that have built up on the surface. It is important to use a brush with stiff bristles, but avoid metal or wire bristles as they can damage the brick. For exterior brick walls, a natural brush is recommended.
If the brick is only slightly dirty, you can spray it down with a garden hose. However, if the brick is very dirty, it is advisable to use a pressure washer to thoroughly clean the surface. It is important to note that you should only use a pressure washer on unpainted brick. Always ensure you work in a well-ventilated area when cleaning brick to avoid inhaling dust or fumes.
During the prep work, pay close attention to the mortar joints. Check for any loose mortar or small cracks and repair them with acrylic caulk. For larger cracks and loose mortar, repointing, or renewing the external part of the mortar joints, is recommended. Use a mortar that closely matches the original in colour and texture. This will help create a smooth and even surface for painting.
By thoroughly brushing down the wall and addressing any issues with the mortar, you will ensure that the paint adheres properly and that your finished paint job looks neat and professional.
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Priming: Use a primer for better adhesion of the paint
Painting mortar between bricks requires a bit of preparation, and one of the most important steps is priming. Priming the surface improves the adhesion of the paint, ensuring a longer-lasting and better-looking finish.
First, check the condition of the mortar. If there are large cracks or loose mortar, you will need to repoint the bricks. Repointing involves renewing the external part of the mortar joints and using mortar that closely matches the original. For smaller cracks, you can use acrylic caulk as a quick fix. If the mortar is powdery, you may need to dig back 1/2-3/4" to create a void for new mortar to reside in. Spray the brick surface with water to prevent the new mortar from drying too quickly and losing strength.
Once the mortar joints are in good condition, it's time to prime. Use a latex primer, applying it with a brush, roller, or paint sprayer. If mildew or efflorescence is present, you may need to add extra coats of primer. Allow the primer to dry completely before moving on to painting.
For internal masonry surfaces, a product like Dulux 1Step Prep Primer, Sealer, & Undercoat can be used. This type of primer will help prepare the surface and improve paint adhesion. However, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for the specific product you are using.
By taking the time to properly prime the mortar between bricks, you will ensure that your paint job looks great and lasts for a long time.
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Paint selection: Choose a paint that is suitable for the surface, e.g. acrylic latex for exterior brick
Painting mortar between bricks can be done using a variety of paints and tools. The paint you choose will depend on the surface you are painting and the look you want to achieve.
For exterior brickwork, acrylic latex paint is a good option. This type of paint is designed to withstand the elements and will provide a durable and long-lasting finish. It is also resistant to mildew, which is important for exterior surfaces that are exposed to moisture and humidity.
Behr manufactures a range of highly-rated masonry, stucco, and brick flat paints that are suitable for both interior and exterior use. These paints are self-priming, mildew-resistant, and available in a wide range of colors. They are also stain-blocking and scuff-resistant, making them a good choice for high-traffic areas or surfaces that are likely to come into contact with stains.
For interior brickwork, you may want to consider a paint that is specifically designed for masonry surfaces. Dulux Wash and Wear, for example, is suitable for internal masonry surfaces but requires a coat of primer, sealer, and undercoat before painting.
When choosing a paint color, you may want to consider whether you want a flat or satin finish. A satin finish will be easier to clean and will not show marks or dirt as easily as a flat finish. However, a flat finish will not have a sheen, which some people prefer for exterior brickwork.
In terms of tools, you will need a brush or roller to apply the paint. A small paintbrush, such as a UNi-PRO 18mm Easy Cutter Paint Brush, may be useful for getting into the mortar lines between the bricks. For larger surfaces, a roller with a nap size between 3/8" and 1" is recommended.
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Painting tools: Depending on the width of mortar lines, use a brush, roller, or paint sprayer
When it comes to painting mortar between bricks, the tools you'll need depend on the width of the mortar lines. Here are some options for painting tools to consider:
If you're dealing with narrow mortar lines, a brush can be a precise and effective tool for painting. Specifically, a natural brush with stiff bristles is recommended for external brickwork. Just be sure to avoid brushes with metal or wire bristles, as they can damage the bricks. For internal mortar, a brush like the UNi-PRO 18mm Easy Cutter Paint Brush can be a good option.
For wider mortar lines, a roller might be a more efficient choice. It can cover a larger area with paint and speed up the process. However, be mindful of any excess paint that may end up on the bricks themselves.
Another option for efficient coverage, especially for larger areas, is a paint sprayer. This can be useful for applying a primer or paint to the brick surface quickly and evenly. Just be sure to follow safety precautions when using a sprayer, especially in an enclosed space.
Additionally, regardless of the tool you choose, it's important to properly prepare the surface before painting. This includes checking for loose mortar and repairing any cracks, as well as cleaning the bricks and mortar to ensure good adhesion.
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Cleaning: Clean the bricks with TSP or other cleaning solutions before painting
Before painting the bricks with mortar, it is important to clean them with an effective cleaning solution to ensure that the paint adheres well and the final look is smooth and professional. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is one of the most powerful cleaning agents for this purpose. It can effectively remove dirt, grime, and mortar residue from the brick surface.
To clean the bricks with TSP, start by mixing the TSP powder with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area when using TSP due to its strong chemical nature. Using a brush, roller, or paint sprayer, apply the TSP solution to the brick surface, starting with a gentle hand to test its effect. If needed, increase the scrubbing intensity and apply more TSP solution for better results.
Alternatively, you can use other cleaning solutions like oven cleaner for burnt material and boric acid, ammonia, or naphtha soap for other types of dirt and grime. Always follow safety precautions and work in a well-ventilated area when using any chemical cleaner. For slightly dirty bricks, a simple solution of warm water and dish soap can be effective, followed by rinsing with a garden hose.
After cleaning the bricks, it is important to prepare the surface further by removing any loose materials. Use a scrubbing brush to brush down the entire wall gently, ensuring that the mortar lines are free of debris and ready for painting. This step will ensure that the paint adheres well and the final result is smooth and even.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a paintbrush, such as a UNi-PRO 18mm Easy Cutter Paint Brush, a scrubbing brush, and a bucket. You may also need a primer and a coat of paint.
First, check to see whether the mortar is loose. Small cracks can be repaired with acrylic caulk. Large cracks and loose mortar will require you to repoint the brick. Use mortar that is as close as possible to the original. Then, brush down the entire wall with a scrubbing brush to remove any loose materials that would affect adhesion.
For exterior brick, use acrylic latex exterior paint as it is highly resistant to mildew and moisture. For interior brick, semi-gloss and gloss paint are good choices as they reveal details and are easy to clean.
