Brick is another popular material that is used when constructing homes. If your home is older and you are not fond of the color or look of the exterior, there is the option of painting your brick home. Just like painting other materials, there are special tools and conditions that will help your brick painting last much longer. Below are some tips to have in mind when working on the exterior or interior brick of your home.
Do The Proper Prep Work Before Painting
Before beginning any type of painting project, you need to do some prep work. Cleaning, sanding, or repairs may need to be done before you paint your brick home. Doing the right prep will ensure that the paint adheres properly and doesn’t start to peel from the brick.
Before painting your brick home, you will need to clean the brick with a hose, stiff-bristled brush, and soapy water. If you are painting interior brick, using soapy water and a shorter brush will also work, and then use a clean damp cloth to wipe away excess.
Removing dirt and old paint will ensure the new coat of paint sticks directly to the brick. You will avoid bubbling or premature peeling when you prepare the home.
Use A Primer Or Paint And Primer Mix
Another way to ensure that the paint lasts, using a primer on the brick before applying paint will help. Masonry brick often needs a sealer as well as a primer. Because brick is porous, a sealer can make the paint go on smoother and the primer better hold onto the paint.
Using the right prep materials will save you time and money. Without a primer, you may feel like you need more coats of paint, or will have to scrap bubbling paint a few days after painting your brick home. Taking a little extra time to apply primer will save you headaches down the road.
Use A Paint Sprayer
If you are going to paint your brick home on your own, professional painters recommend using a paint sprayer. This helps you to get an even coat and prevent heavy areas of pooling paint. A sprayer is also a lot easier to use when you are painting a large area, like the exterior of your home.
Using a sprayer will help you reach all the small spaces and nooks and crannies of brick. Having a small paintbrush handy to fix any drips or hard-to-reach areas might be helpful. If you have grouted joints, a sprayer is the best option if you are going to paint your brick.
Staining Vs. Painting
If painting your brick home seems daunting or too permanent, staining or whitewashing is also an option. Matte varnishes are most commonly used on brick because of their rough texture.
Whitewashing uses paint or a lighter stain mixed with a thinner to just leave a light coat on the brick. This can help brighten up your home, without the need to completely coat the brick. Before you plan to paint or stain your brick, it is best to know all the options and price points. You may find a better option than your original choice along the way.
Consider Weather Conditions
Any exterior paint project can be ruined by the weather. Before you prep or get your tools in order, make sure to check the weather for the next few days. Rain or wind can damage your primer job or prevent the paint from drying completely. You will want to paint on a mild day with some cloud cover because extreme heat can affect paint as well.
Not All Brick Can Be Painted
Experts recommend that newly installed brick should not be painted because it is extremely porous. After some weathering, the brick will be easier to paint and will hold the paint on the surface.
If you are painting brick for a fireplace, a good rule of thumb is to only paint the bricks outside of the hearth. This will keep flammable paint from being touched by the flames or causing toxins to be released into your home from burning paint.
Brick Painting From Rosewood
Painting brick homes is more difficult than wood or other building materials. Rosewood Painting and Remodeling offers this service to homeowners because it can be time-consuming and requires a pristine hand. We will drastically improve the appearance of your home by using quality materials and tools.
We offer multiple painting services for the exterior and interior of your home. Painting can put a strain on your body and your normal routine, so hiring a professional will give you a new look and more time to focus on other tasks. Our painters can paint cabinets, brick, siding, interior walls, log cabins, and more. Contact our team in Layton or Bountiful to get on the right path for your next painting project.
