3 Tips for Painting Brick
Posted on December 20, 2021
Homes with a brick facade are some of the most unique and attractive structures. However, brick tends to attract and hold dirt and grime more than other exterior materials. The solution is sometimes to clean and paint the brick for a fresh, clean look. Today, we will discuss three common options for painting brick successfully.
Clean the Surface
The first step to painting any exterior surface is a thorough cleaning. Paint may not stick to dirty surfaces, so in many cases, the brick is first pressure washed. However, care must be taken not to use too much pressure. Professionals will provide just enough pressure to remove the surface dirt, without damaging the brick. Most use some form of surfactant designed for use in a pressure washer as this often reduces the amount of pressure required to clean the surface.
Use the Correct Paint and Primer
There are many exterior paint options, but in most cases using an exterior grade latex primer and paint is the best solution. The pros will usually use latex because the clean-up is much easier than enamel, and it can usually be thinned for spraying. Brick has a prominent profile, as opposed to very flat surfaces. Spray painting brick is much faster and easier than using a brush, so selecting a Thinnable paint (which is often required for spraying) will make the project easier. For those without a sprayer, long nap rollers are another option. Using a long nap roller will allow the painter to get into the small undulations on the surface and result in a more professional-looking job.
Apply Several Thin Coats Instead One or Two Thick Coats
Professionals will apply a few thin coats of paint instead of a couple of thick coats. Unsealed brick can soak up the paint, so a thin layer that seals the pores in the brick will often provide an ideal surface for a second coat. A thin coat will also dry much more quickly than a thick coat, so in most situations, applying two thin coats is actually faster than applying one thick one. Since each coat must be completely dry before another can be added, applying thin coats usually reduces or eliminates the wasted time waiting for a thick coat to dry.
