How to Paint Houses With Exterior Brick

Brick homes have a stately look that says this house is secure. Even the Big Bad Wolf can’t blow it down. Bright red brick in its new, pristine status is regal but after a few seasons, the brick can lose its luster. There are options to revive the look. Here is how to paint exterior brick.

Whether a homeowner has inherited brick on the home they purchased or sought it out in the home they wanted, many feel like they are stuck with the look of red bricks. While it’s not necessarily easy, bricks can be painted and renovated to look completely different. Here’s how to do it.

Inspect your Home

Before moving forward with a brick painting project, do an inspection of the bricks. Make sure they are in good shape with no cracking or breaking. If you run into any issues, consult a repair professional before proceeding to painting.

Clean the Bricks

Before you begin work, it’s recommended that you work with protective gear including gloves and eyewear while using the pressure washer. Chemicals and pressure from the washing can be harmful to you.

With a pressure washer, set your PSI to 1,500 pounds per square inch to scrub the bricks. Any more force and you run the risk of damaging the mortar. There are detergents available at big box stores to help remove mildew or efflorescence. This will also help remove dirt, grime and lose paint in the bricks. Be sure to protect plants in the way of runoff. Some of these cleaners can harm or kill flora.

Bricks are a porous material. Your bricks will need several dry days to completely dry. You do not want to paint over wet bricks and trap moisture inside. This can result in bubbling and peeling.

Once the washing is completed, allow the brick plenty of time to fully dry. This will take a few days at least because brick is a porous material that traps moisture.

Scrape Paint

Sometimes mortar can be damaged during the cleaning process. Loose paint from previous paintings also should be removed. Use a scraper to pull at larger pieces and help flatten the surface. Avoid using a wire brush since it can cause more damage like ruts and dents in the bricks and mortar.

Sand the Surface

With a palm or circular sander, sand the brick smooth. This allows the paint to adhere to the bricks. Most professionals recommend a minimum 80 grit sandpaper. Because this can further damage the mortar, wait until you are done sanding to replace the mortar.

Most big box and home improvement stores carry a premixed acrylic mortar patch kit. This allows you to prime the area as soon as the patch has dried. There is also an option of powder that you mix yourself. This requires a significant dry time (up to several weeks).

Clear the Dust

After sanding, use a broom or vacuum to remove excess dust. Any leftover dust can quickly turn into balls of gunk within the paint or stain you choose, so it is best to make sure it’s removed now.

Seal and Caulk

Cracks that are even as small as 1/16 of an inch can allow for water intrusion. Address issues around the bricks and any adjacent windows, trim, doors or chimneys. Use 100% acrylic caulk and a foam backer for any bigger cracks. If the seals don’t look sufficient, repeat the process in 3-5 hours.

Apply Primer

For the most long-lasting results, apply a high quality acrylic or latex masonry primer. It should be fully applied to both bricks and mortar. If you were noticing efflorescence or mildew, consider a second coating of primer before moving on. Usually it takes a couple of hours for this to dry before you can begin painting.

Paint the Brick

For painting over brick, elastomeric or 100% acrylic latex paint are the best options. While they come in a variety of colors, by far the most common are black, white and red. Apply two coats for the highest durability.

Use a brush and roller to apply the paint. You’ll want a roller that is at least ¾ inch or thicker to make sure all of the cracks in the brick are filled with paint.

Schedule an Estimate

If you want to paint exterior brick elements on your house but aren’t up to the challenge. Don’t worry! Our crews are experienced in projects just like yours. Schedule a free, no-obligation estimate appointment today.