One of today’s hottest trends in home improvement is painted brick. Not only can you change the color of your house, but it’s easy to maintain and affordable.
For many homeowners, painting brick may seem like a daunting task. But with a little research and preparation, it can be done quite easily by almost anyone. Here is a step-by-step guide to painting your brick exterior.
What You Will Need
- Primer
- An oil-based primer designed for exterior surfaces
- Stir stick with a paint mixing attachment to thoroughly mix the paint
- Paint roller and extension pole
- Paintbrush (3” or 4”)
- Wire brush for removing loose brick material
- Rags/paper towels
- Roller sleeves
- Heavy-duty trash bags
Lay down heavy-duty plastic sheeting on the ground to catch paint drips and keep your grass from turning red. Lay it up the walls as far as you can reach. The last thing you want is for a stray drop of paint to ruin your hardwood floors or carpet. If you have a backyard patio that is made of brick, you will need to cover it as well.
Cleaning Your Brick
The first step is to clean your brick thoroughly. Start by power washing the surface. This will remove all dirt and grime as well as any loose particles of brick. Once that is done, use a wire brush to remove any dirt or rust stains that are still left behind. A clean brick is much easier to paint.
Preparing Your Brick for Painting
Once your brick is clean, you need to seal the surface in order to protect it from absorbing too much of the paint. Using a high-quality exterior stain-blocking primer, coat your brick thoroughly.
This should be done with an inexpensive brush because you will probably throw it away when you are done. Let the primer dry for 24 hours before attempting to paint your brick surface.
Painting Your Brick
The next step is to apply the top layer of paint. Begin by painting vertical stripes on your brick, applying light pressure with the brush so that it’s almost “scratching” the brickwork.
This will allow the paint to fill in all the grooves of your brick. Apply two coats of paint, waiting 24 hours between each application to allow it to dry completely. Once you are satisfied with the results, seal your brick with an exterior wax or sealant to protect it against dirt and stains.
Protecting Your Brick
Once you are done painting, you will need to ensure that the paint holds up to the elements. Using a good-quality exterior wax or sealant will protect your paint job from dirt accumulation and stains. Apply this product evenly with a synthetic bristle brush, working it into all the nooks and crannies of your brick surface.
Allow each layer to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next step. Be sure that you are wearing protective gloves, glasses, and clothing when you are working with the paint chemicals.
If done correctly, painting brick can increase the curb appeal of your home while also protecting against dirt, mold, and mildew.
By following these steps, you’ll have a beautifully painted brick exterior in no time!