Should you choose brick staining or painting?

Bricks are a staple when it comes to exteriors of homes all over America. Beyond the traditional look, they are strong and sturdy for buildings. The stones maintain temperature inside the house with cooling in summer and warming in the winter.

Updating bricks is necessary for the look and maintenance of your home. So what are your choices?

You have two options. Should you choose brick staining or painting?

You may not have known you can modify the look of your brick while adding a protective layer. Both painting or staining the bricks will add a new luster to their color and protect them from the elements. Neither brick painting or staining is an easy task but will yield great results. At CertaPro Painters of Harrisburg, we feel the best option is painting due to the color choices available as well as ease of the application.

Painting Brick

Painting bricks can completely change the color of the stones with an opaque option. This gives you many options for colors but must be precisely done to create lasting results.

Bricks must be completely clean to allow the paint to adhere to it. This requires a rigorous brushing with trisodium phosphate. If the bricks were painted prior to this, it will need to be completely sandblasted off.

Next, apply a stain-blocking, oil-based primer to create a good tooth for the paint. This will protect the brick from dirt and soot, especially if you are painting a fireplace. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply a layer to the entire area.

After the primer has dried completely, put at least two coats of exterior paint appropriate for bricks on the stones. Bricks are not a smooth surface and have quite a few porous traits. Two coats might not cover each uneven surface. Do not be afraid to add another layer.

Pros and Cons of Painting Brick

Painting bricks allows you to protect the surface of the stones. Also, because more colors are available, you’ll have a wider selection to choose from. Once bricks are painted, they will likely need redone every five years or so. So in a few years you will need to remove the paint and start over. The bricks can hold onto moisture so it’s imperative to allow the stones plenty of time to dry. Otherwise, painting will only trap the moisture inside. This could cause the paint to peel off prematurely. Using paints made for porous bricks will help alleviate this problem.

Staining Brick

The second option to change the look of your bricks is with staining. This will preserve the natural look while protecting it from environmental factors.

Again, you’ll need to completely clean the bricks with a mild detergent. Follow that up with a water-based stain. It’s important to know if your bricks have been previously stained or sealed as that will require removal prior to applying new stain. When you shop, inform your salesperson that this is for a porous brick.

Pros and Cons of Staining Brick

Stain is a good option to maintain and protect bricks while allowing the natural porous nature to continue. To determine if your bricks can be stained, throw water on the bricks. If it runs off without absorbing, it’s likely already sealed. This means you’ll have to remove the sealant with thinner or brick sealer stripper before proceeding. Always test a small patch first to make sure the bricks won’t be ruined.

Schedule an Estimate with CertaPro Painters of Harrisburg

Our teams are highly skilled at painting interior and exterior bricks and can help you determine the best colors for your home. Rather than taking on a project like this, our crews are happy to help. Schedule an estimate by calling us at: 717-761-2248  or go online to schedule an appointment to discuss your project with us today.