Brick Staining vs Painting in Rochester Hills, MI

Bricks are a staple when it comes to the exteriors of homes. Beyond the traditional look, they are strong and sturdy for buildings. The stones maintain the temperature inside the house with cooling in summer and warming in the winter. Updating bricks is necessary for look and maintenance. You have two options. Should you choose brick staining vs 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 is an easy task but will yield great results.

Painting

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.

Painting Bricks

Bricks must be completely clean to allow the paint to adhere to them. This requires rigorous brushing with trisodium phosphate. If the bricks were painted prior to this, they 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, but at least two coats of exterior paint are 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 to be repainted 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 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. These options are easy to apply and allow the brick to breathe, preventing the moisture build-up we see with paint. When you shop, inform your salesperson that this is for a porous brick.

Pros and Cons of Stains

Stain is the best 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 a 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

Our teams are highly skilled in working with an interior and exterior bricks. Rather than taking on a project like this, our crews are happy to help. Schedule a free estimate appointment to discuss your project with us today!