Paint Your Exterior Brick in 4 Steps
Painting your brick is a trendy way of updating the look of your home’s exterior. It is less expensive than replacing the finish, and it can easily brighten or darken the color, giving your house a dramatic makeover.
You’ll need to do some preparation beforehand. Here is a step-by-step guide to painting your outdoor brick.
- Prepare and Clean the Brick
Paint needs clean brick to adhere well, so you’ll need to wash it before you begin. A pressure washer can make the job quicker and less labor-intensive. Otherwise, a brush with soft bristles and soapy water will do the trick. Try a solution of 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate in one gallon of water for the tough spots. You may need a multi position ladder to reach the high places.
You can remove mildew with a solution of three parts water to one part bleach. Allow the solution to remain on the surface for 30 minutes, then scrub with a wire brush.
If the brick has been on your house for many years, check for areas that need repair. You can repair mortar cracks with acrylic caulk. Let it dry for five hours before painting.
Don’t paint bricks that’s less than a year old.
- Cover Doors and Windows
Cover the open area with one or more sheets of newspaper, then fasten the edges securely with painter’s tape. You can also use plastic sheets. Whether you use a brush, roller or sprayer, you’ll be glad you don’t have to worry about getting paint on the doors and windows.
- Paint the Brick With Primer
A latex primer is the base coat for your paint job. You can use one or more of the following tools to apply it:
- Brushes
- Rollers
- Paint sprayer
You may need more than one coat depending on the brick’s texture or the number of mildew stains. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly before going to the next step. Check the instructions for the drying time; it may vary depending on the temperature and humidity.
- Paint the Brick
One gallon of paint covers between 250 and 400 square feet. Be sure to take measurements. You can also use an online calculator to help you determine the amount of paint you need.
You can use acrylic latex paint for your brick. It resists moisture and mildew. Elastodynamic paint is another option; it holds up well in all kinds of weather and fills cracks. It is more expensive than acrylic paint.
A semi-gloss or gloss finish is a great choice for exterior brick. It is easier to clean than more matte finishes.
Use a paint sprayer for the fastest application. Keep the tip six to 12 inches from the brick. Maintain a consistent speed as you apply the paint. Watch for drips and smooth them with a brush before they dry. A shop light can help you find the spots that need more coverage. Paint corners vertically while holding the sprayer tip sideways.
You can use brushes or rollers if you don’t have a large area to cover. You can also opt for these tools if you are unfamiliar with using a paint sprayer. If you use a roller, buy one with a thick nap to easily get in all the crevices.
No matter which method you choose to apply the paint, there will be areas that you must get with a brush, especially around trim, doors and windows.
The drying time your paint job needs depends on the type of paint you use. The weather also affects drying time; it takes longer in humid weather. If you need to apply a second coat, be sure you leave adequate time for the first coat to dry.
Only apply a second coat if the paint manufacturer recommends it. You can touch up smaller areas with a paintbrush.
You can really change the look of your home by painting the exterior brick. Some prep work before you begin makes the job easier.
