5 Steps to Painting Brick

Is painting brick on the exterior a good idea? Yes, it may seem like a hefty task, but painting the brick of your home can really add some pop to the curb appeal of your investment.  While this is a very satisfying way to upgrade your exterior, it is important to do things right the first time. Consider these steps when painting brick, or your paint job will not last very long.

Before You Paint Brick

1. Power Wash Your Brick Before Painting 

You must power wash the brick before putting primer or paint onto the surface.  If this step is missed or skipped, you are not painting brick…you are painting the dust and pollutants that are ON the brick. A nice cleaning just to dust off the cobwebs will do wonders for your project’s lifespan and quality.

2. Apply a Coating Product That Bonds to Brick

One of the most important steps in the process of painting brick is choosing the correct products. When applying paint to brick, a preliminary bonding coat is required. Make sure that if it is available, you start the coating process off with a masonry primer. Loxon by Sherwin Williams is a really good place to start. Once the bonding coat has dried, the brick should be ready for some latex topcoats.

While Painting Brick

3. Apply More Than One Coat of Paint

The best way to paint the brick of your house is to prime the surface with one coat of masonry primer, and then follow that with two coats of premium latex paint. Some painting contractors will try and get away with one thick coat. Using only one coat of paint without primer will not cover properly. This will seriously diminish the life of your paint job. When using thicker products, some contractors will want to dilute the paint or primer by adding water to it. This is a step that depletes the quality of the product. We do not recommend doing this a Elite Pro Painting.

4. Weather

It is important to paint the brick of your home in the recommended range of temperatures according to the manufacturer of the paint.  You can find this information on the paint can, or on any related data sheet. This temperature is usually no less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. Contact a Professional

While these tips will definitely come in handy, painting brick is no easy task. If you are unsure of yourself, it is always worth the time to contact a professional. The last thing you want to do is try and save a few bucks by doing it yourself and end up ruining the project and wasting your money anyway. Elite Pro Painting is passionate about making beautiful things, and we would love to help. Contact us for a free quote, or just to ask a question!

Modernize Your Home

Are you thinking about painting your house’s exterior (paint brick) to modernize it? If so, you might be curious about how to paint brick. In spite of the fact that brick is a sturdy and long-lasting building material, painting brick is not always the easiest task.

We at Elite Pro Painting, a reputable and skilled painting company in Indianapolis, are here to help you achieve a lovely and durable finish. We understand the difficulties of painting brick.

 

Here are some pointers to get you going:

 

Pick the correct paint: When painting brick, it’s crucial to go with a paint that is made especially for masonry surfaces. When it comes to painting outside surfaces, these paints are frequently more resilient and able to survive the environment.

Prepare the surface: It’s crucial to thoroughly prepare the brick surface before you begin painting. This entails scrubbing the brick clean of any debris, grime, or stains and patching any holes or cracks.

Use a primer: It’s a good idea to apply a layer of primer after you’ve cleaned and prepared the brick surface. This will promote better paint adhesion and a more uniform finish.

Use the proper tools: It’s crucial to use the correct tools for the job while painting brick. This entails applying paint with a brush or roller made especially for brick surfaces, as well as, if you have one, applying it with a paint sprayer.

Observe the manufacturer’s instructions: It’s crucial to pay close attention to the manufacturer’s directions when using a new paint product. By doing this, you can be sure that the paint will stick to the brick surface properly and that you will obtain the greatest results possible.

“It’s critical to realize that painting brick on the exterior of your home will take a lot of time and effort”

It’s critical to realize that painting brick on the exterior of your home will take a lot of time and effort. However, a lovely and long-lasting finish is achievable with the appropriate cleaning and paint.

We at Elite Pro Painting have years of expertise giving homeowners high-quality painting services to enhance their homes. Give us a call if you’re thinking of painting the brick on the outside of your house and want to learn more about the procedure. We will be delighted to provide you a free quote and go over your project in greater detail.

FAQ on How to Paint Brick?

Can you paint brick?

You can paint brick, yes. To ensure a strong, long-lasting finish, it is crucial to properly prepare the surface and use the appropriate paint.

I want to paint brick, what kind of paint should I use?

A high-quality, 100% acrylic latex paint that is designed for masonry surfaces is advised. Oil-based and alkyd-based paints should not be used because they can trap moisture and cause the paint to peel.

How do I get the brick surface ready to paint?

To start, thoroughly clean the surface to get rid of any dirt, dust, or other debris. Any loose or peeling paint should be scraped off using a wire brush or scraper. Use a masonry repair product to patch up any cracks or damage. Before painting, let the surface dry completely.

Should I use a primer before painting brick?

A masonry primer should be applied before painting brick, yes. This will promote better paint adhesion and a more uniform finish. Select a primer that works well with the paint of your choice.

Can I repaint brick that has already been painted?

You can repaint brick that has already been painted. Before applying the new paint, it is crucial to properly prepare the surface by cleaning it, removing any loose or peeling paint, and applying a compatible primer.

When painting brick, should I use a brush or a sprayer?

If you do not have a sprayer, a high-quality brush is advised.  For painting brick as it allows for better control and surface coverage. However, if you have prior experience using one, a sprayer can be used for larger areas.

How many paint coats should I use on brick?

A minimum of two coats of paint should be applied to brick for the best results. Before putting on the second coat, let the first coat completely dry.  At Elite Pro Painting, we always apply a minimum of two coats.

How long does painted brick take to dry out?

Depending on the temperature, humidity, and type of paint being used, drying times will change. Before handling or touching the surface, it is advised to wait at least 24 hours for the paint to dry. It should also be given 48–72 hours before being heavily used or exposed to moisture.

If I change my mind, can I remove the paint from the brick?

A paint stripper or sandblasting can be used to remove paint from brick. However, since painting brick can be a challenging and time-consuming process, it is crucial to carefully consider your options before starting.  Don’t change your mind!  Make sure that you want to paint your brick.  Here are some reasons that you SHOULD NOT paint your brick:

FAQs of Why I Should NOT Paint My Brick:

What are some of the drawbacks to painting brick?

One explanation is that re-painting brick, particularly if it has been painted before, is a laborious and time-consuming process. The difficulty of removing paint from brick and returning it to its natural state is another factor. Sealing in moisture with paint can also hasten the brick’s deterioration.

Will painting the brick on my home raise its value?

The answer is that it is case-specific. Painting the brick may make it look modern and fresh, but it may not increase the value of the home. Unpainted brick is a popular choice among buyers because of its classic appeal.

Can bricks and mortar be damaged if painted?

The answer is yes, bricks and mortar can be damaged by painting. The paint may cause the brick to retain moisture, hastening its deterioration. Paint can also clog the brick’s pores, preventing it from releasing moisture and allowing it to breathe.

Can I improve my home’s insulation by painting brick?

No, painting brick won’t make it more energy efficient. In fact, it can hinder the brick’s ability to breathe and release moisture, which can lead to moisture issues and possible damage.

Is painting brick the only way to give it a modern look?

To update its appearance, brick can be done in ways besides just painting it. As an illustration, a masonry stain or wash can be used to alter the brick’s color without compromising its breathability. One alternative to painting brick is to enhance its appearance with landscaping or other elements.

What if I decide I don’t like how my brick looks after I’ve painted it?

Brick can have its paint stripped, but it’s a laborious and time-consuming process. Before beginning, you should think long and hard about your decision to paint brick, as it may be difficult to undo.

Top 10 Sherwin Williams Colors for Painting Brick

Alabaster SW 7008

Mindful Gray SW 7016

Repose Gray SW 7015

Agreeable Gray SW 7029

Accessible Beige SW 7036

Light French Gray SW 0055

Dorian Gray SW 7017

Urbane Bronze SW 7048

Pure White SW 7005

Shoji White SW 7042

 

Top 10 Benjamin Moore Colors for Painting Brick

 

White Dove OC-17

Simply White OC-117

Revere Pewter HC-172

Edgecomb Gray HC-173

Gray Owl OC-52

Stonington Gray HC-170

Kendall Charcoal HC-166

Chelsea Gray HC-168

Hale Navy HC-154

Amherst Gray HC-167

 

What is Brick Made out of and Will Paint Stick to it?

Brick is a common building material made from clay, shale, or a combination of the two. High temperatures are then used to fire the material, producing a strong, hard surface. Bricks can occasionally also be made of sandstone or concrete.

The kind of brick and its condition will determine whether or not paint will adhere to it when painting brick. Since most brick surfaces are porous and therefore absorb moisture, painting them without the right preparation can be challenging.

In order to ensure that the paint adheres properly, the brick that has never been painted will likely need to be cleaned and primed before painting. If the brick has already been painted, the old paint must be removed before new paint can be applied. For the best results, high-quality masonry paint is advised in both scenarios.

The painting of brick is a permanent change that can be challenging and time-consuming to reverse. To ensure that the paint adheres properly and lasts for a long time, it is crucial to carefully consider the decision to paint brick and to follow proper preparation and application techniques.