5 Tips to Painting Brick
Are you tired of looking at a painted brick wall that’s flaking and peeling? Maybe you just want to change up the way your natural brick exteriors look. There are times when taking a paintbrush to your brick walls makes a lot of sense. Brick is not the easiest surface to paint, but by following these pointers, you should be able to freshen up that brick surface with a bright new color.
1. Prepare the Brick
Make sure the brick is clean and free of mold or stains. Use a mixture of mild soap and water with a wire cleaning brush to scrub away stains. If the brick has mold or mildew on it, use a mixture of bleach and water to get rid of them.
Once you’ve scrubbed the stains, hose everything down. This will also remove dust and dirt that are on the brick surface. Don’t use a pressure washer. The high pressure can damage mortar. Let the brick dry thoroughly before you paint it. You never want to paint wet brick.
2. The Right Tools Matter
You will need standard painting tools including brushes, rollers and paint trays. Use a roller that is about four inches thick. Look for rollers and brushes that are specifically made for textured surfaces.
What kind of paint should you choose? For best results, you should use latex paint designed for outdoor use. If you’re painting a fireplace or a chimney, use heat-resistant paint.
3. Start With Primer
Before you begin slapping on the paint, apply a primer. Primer is important when you’re painting any surface, but it’s a necessity if you’re painting a rough texture like a brick.
4. Apply the Paint
Once the primer has dried, you can begin applying the paint. Be sure to apply some pressure while you’re painting to make sure that every crevice is filled. Follow up with your brush.
Once you’re applied primer, the painting will go pretty smoothly. Brick takes well to paint, and you will probably get the look you want with just one coat. If you decide to add a second one, make sure the first coat is dry.
5. Do the Final Finish
Take a look at the brick wall and check for any missed or smudged spots. Touch these up with your roller or brush.
Keep These Pointers in Mind
- You can’t remove the paint once it’s applied. That means if you don’t like the way it looks when it’s done, you have no choice but to repaint it.
Never paint damaged brick. Repair before you paint over any damaged surface.
If the brick was already painted and you’re painting it the same color, you can probably skip the primer.
Call the Brick and Masonry Experts
If you’re planning to paint your brick wall, make sure it’s in solid condition before you start. Capital Masonry can repair cracks or gaps in the brick structure and replace any damaged bricks. You’ll have a firm, clean brick surface ready to paint in your favorite color.