Painting a brick residence can be intimidating, but with the correct information and materials, you can turn your home’s outside into a beautiful work of art. This guide will cover the selection of paint type and color and detailing preparation steps like cleaning, priming, and patching for a flawless finish.
Firstly, we’ll discuss various types of paints suitable for brick surfaces and essential factors like color considerations and sheen options. Next, we’ll cover crucial preparation steps such as cleaning the bricks, priming them properly, and patching any cracks or holes.
We won’t forget the essential tools needed for painting a brick house – brushes and rollers tailored specifically for textured surfaces like bricks; drop cloths and tarps to protect surrounding areas; ladders or scaffolding to safely reach higher sections.
Furthermore, our guide will help you calculate precisely how much paint is required by measuring the area accurately and estimating coverage rates per gallon of paint. This ensures that you purchase enough supplies without overspending on excess materials.
Picking the proper paint for your brick residence is essential to achieve a pleasing appearance and longevity. Having discussed the importance of selecting the right paint for a brick house, let us now explore different types of paint, color considerations, and sheen options that can help you make an informed decision.
a. Types of Paint
There are two main types of paint suitable for exterior brick surfaces: acrylic latex paint and mineral-based paint. Acrylic latex paints are water-based and provide excellent adhesion to bricks while allowing moisture to escape from within. This helps prevent peeling or blistering over time. On the other hand, mineral-based paints form a breathable layer on the surface that bonds well with unpainted bricks but may not adhere as well to previously painted surfaces.
The highest quality paints, regardless of type, should resist UV rays and harsh weather conditions to maintain their appearance over time.
b. Color Considerations
Brighter colors: If you’re looking for a dramatic change in appearance or want your house’s features (such as shutters or trim) to stand out more prominently against its backdrop, consider using brighter colors like white painted brick or lighter shades of gray.
Darker colors: For those who prefer subtler changes in their home’s facade without straying too far from traditional reds or browns commonly found on unpainted brick homes, darker hues such as charcoal gray might be an ideal choice.
Neutral colors: To maintain a classic look while still giving your brick house a fresh coat of paint, consider neutral shades like beige or taupe.
Remember that your chosen color will impact how well your home blends in with its surroundings and curb appeal. It’s essential to test out different options before making a final decision.
c. Sheen Options
The sheen of exterior paint refers to its level of glossiness, which can range from flat (matte) to high-gloss finishes. Using either satin or semi-gloss sheens for painted brick homes is generally recommended. Satin provides a slight shine that highlights architectural details without being too reflective. At the same time, semi-gloss offers more durability and resistance against dirt accumulation but may be slightly shinier than satin.
In summary, choosing the right type of paint for your brick house involves considering factors such as adhesion properties, color preferences, and sheen levels. By carefully weighing these aspects when selecting your paint product, you’ll ensure long-lasting results and improve the appearance of your home’s exterior.
Key Takeaway: Selecting the right paint is critical when painting a brick house; one should pick something that can withstand UV rays and harsh weather conditions. Acrylic latex paints are water-based and provide excellent adhesion, while mineral-based paints form a breathable layer on the surface. Color considerations include brighter colors for dramatic changes or neutral shades for maintaining a classic look, while satin or semi-gloss sheens are recommended for painted brick homes.
2. Preparing the Surface for Painting
Before beginning to paint your brick house, properly preparing the surface for a durable and quality finish is essential. This involves cleaning the brick, applying Primer, and patching any cracks or holes that may be present.
a. Cleaning the Brick
First, thoroughly clean your exterior brick using a pressure washer or garden hose with a spray nozzle. This will remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew that can prevent proper paint adhesion. Be cautious when pressure washing, as too much force can damage older bricks or mortar joints.
If there are stubborn stains on your unpainted brick surfaces, like efflorescence (white salt deposits), consider using specialized cleaners such as muriatic acid solutions. Always follow manufacturer instructions for safe usage and wear protective gear like gloves and goggles during application.
b. Applying Primer
Once your exterior brick is clean and dry, apply an appropriate primer for masonry surfaces, such as mineral-based paint primers. Priming helps seal porous bricks while providing better adhesion between painted layers ensuring longevity in harsh weather conditions.
Masonry Primer: A water-based acrylic primer designed for optimal penetration into porous surfaces like bricks provides excellent coverage over both lighter colors and darker stains.
Stain-blocking Primer: If your brick has stubborn stains or discoloration, a stain-blocking primer can help prevent these issues from bleeding through the paint job.
c. Patching Cracks and Holes
Inspect your exterior brick for any cracks, holes, or damaged mortar joints that need repair before painting. Use an appropriate patching compound like mortar mix or acrylic caulk, depending on the size of the damage. Be sure to follow manufacturer instructions for application and drying times before painting.
Repointing (replacing old mortar) may sometimes be necessary if large mortar sections are loose or crumbling. This process requires removing and replacing old mortar with new material to ensure structural integrity while providing a clean surface for paint adhesion. Consult a professional mason if you’re unsure about tackling this task yourself.
It is essential to properly prepare a brick house’s surface before painting to ensure that the paint adheres correctly and lasts. Now, let’s look at what tools are needed for painting a brick house.
Key Takeaway: Before painting a brick house, preparing the surface by cleaning it with a pressure washer or specialized cleaners and applying an appropriate primer is crucial. Patching any cracks or holes is also necessary before proceeding with painting. Proper preparation ensures longevity in harsh weather conditions and better adhesion between painted layers.
3. Tools Needed for Painting a Brick House
Before commencing your brick house painting, you must acquire the necessary tools and materials for a successful job. To ensure a successful painting project, it is required to develop the right tools, such as brushes and rollers, drop cloths and tarps, and ladders or scaffolding.
a. Brushes and Rollers
The choice of brushes or rollers depends on the texture of your brick surface. For rough surfaces with deep mortar joints, use a high-quality paintbrush that can reach into crevices easily. A 4-inch broad brush with synthetic bristles is ideal for this purpose.
Nylon brushes: These are suitable for water-based paints like acrylics or latex.
Polyester brushes: They work well with oil-based paints (alkyd) and water-based paints.
Nylon/polyester blend brushes: These offer excellent performance in terms of durability while maintaining their shape during usage.
If you have a smoother brick surface without deep mortar joints, using a roller will help cover larger areas more quickly than using only a brush. Opt for medium-nap (about 1/2 inch) rollers made from synthetic materials such as polyester or microfiber to avoid shedding fibers onto the painted surface.
b. Drop Cloths and Tarps
To protect nearby surfaces like windowsills, door frames, sidewalks, or plants from paint splatters during the application process, invest in good quality drop cloths (canvas or plastic) and tarps. Canvas drop cloths are more durable, absorbent, and less slippery than plastic ones but may be heavier to handle.
c. Ladder or Scaffolding
For a safe and efficient painting process, you’ll need the proper equipment to reach the higher areas of your brick house. Depending on the height of your home, choose between a ladder or scaffolding system:
Ladders: An extension ladder should suffice for single-story homes with easy access points around the perimeter. Ensure it’s sturdy enough to support your weight and any tools you carry.
Scaffolding: If working on multi-story buildings or obstacles prevent easy movement around the house (like bushes), consider renting a scaffold system for added safety and convenience during the painting process (learn more about using scaffolds here). Make sure it complies with local regulations regarding setup and usage.
In addition to these essential tools mentioned above, also have handy items like paint trays for holding paint while using rollers; painter’s tape for masking off edges where different colors meet; sandpaper for smoothing rough surfaces before applying Primer; wire brush for cleaning mortar joints; as well as gloves and goggles for personal protection during preparation work.
Key Takeaway: For painting a brick house, the necessary tools and materials include brushes or rollers depending on the surface texture, drop cloths and tarps for protection, ladders or scaffolding for higher areas, and paint trays, painter’s tape, sandpaper, and a wire brush for preparation. These include brushes or rollers, depending on the texture of your surface, drop cloths and tarps for protection, and ladders or scaffolding for reaching higher areas. Other handy items like paint trays, painter’s tape, sandpaper, and wire brush should also be available for preparation.
4. Calculating How Much Paint You Need to Buy
This will help you avoid running out of paint midway through, purchasing too much, and wasting money. In this section, we’ll guide you on measuring the area to be painted, estimate the coverage rate per gallon of paint, and purchase enough paint for the job.
a. Measuring the Area to be Painted
To calculate how much paint your brick home requires, begin by measuring its exterior surface area. To do this:
Measure each wall’s length and height in feet.
Multiply the length by height for each wall separately.
Add up all these measurements to get the total square footage.
The next step is determining how many gallons of paint are needed based on your calculated square footage. Most colors have an estimated coverage rate printed on their label (usually between 250-400 sq ft/gallon). Remember that rougher surfaces like unpainted brick may require more coats due to higher absorption rates than smoother surfaces such as previously painted exterior brick. Consider multiplying your initial calculations by two when estimating the required gallons to account for multiple coats or touch-ups needed later on.
c. Purchasing Enough Paint for the Job
Now that you know how much paint is needed, it’s time to purchase the right amount. When selecting your paint, consider factors such as color and sheen (as discussed in section 1) and the highest quality paint for durability and longevity. Remember to choose a mineral-based paint designed explicitly for brick homes. These paints allow bricks to breathe while providing excellent coverage and protection from weather elements. Watch for sales at local hardware stores or online retailers to save money on bulk purchases or lighter colors requiring more coats.
By following these steps, you can ensure enough paint to complete your brick house painting project without any unexpected trips back to the store.
Calculating how much paint you need to buy is an essential step in the painting process, as it ensures you have enough color for your project without wasting money on extra supplies. Now let’s look at putting paint onto your brick dwelling.
Key Takeaway: Before painting your brick house, calculate the amount of paint required by measuring the area to be painted and estimating the coverage rate per gallon. Purchase enough paint, factoring in multiple coats and extra gallons for touch-ups. Consider using mineral-based paint for durability and lighter colors to reflect sunlight and keep your home cooler in summer.
5. Applying the Paint to Your Brick House
Once you have determined the appropriate paint, prepped the surface, accumulated your supplies, and worked out how much paint is needed, it’s time to begin painting your brick house. This section will discuss mixing and stirring the paint properly before application, using brushes or rollers for even coats of color, and finishing touches with the cleanup.
A. Mixing and Stirring the Paint Properly
To ensure a smooth application process and an even finish on your brick house exterior walls, mixing and stirring your chosen exterior paint thoroughly before starting is essential. This step helps blend all ingredients evenly throughout each gallon of paint while preventing any clumps or inconsistencies in color.
Pour some of your purchased gallons into a large bucket or container (preferably with a lid).
Use a wooden stick or specialized mixing tool to stir vigorously for several minutes until well-blended.
If needed during painting breaks or after long periods without use (overnight), re-stir as necessary.
B. Applying Even Coats of Paint with a Brush or Roller
The key to achieving professional-looking results when painting a brick house is applying even coats of high-quality exterior masonry paints using either brushes or rollers:
Dip brush/roller into mixed/stirred container: Make sure not too saturated but has enough coverage so there are no dry spots left behind on bricks after the first pass-over area is painted.
Apply the paint in long, even strokes: This technique ensures a smooth and consistent finish on your brick house exterior walls. Be sure to overlap each stroke slightly to avoid leaving unpainted gaps or streaks.
Allow the first coat of paint to dry completely: Depending on weather conditions (humidity levels, temperature), this process can take anywhere from a few hours to an entire day. Consult your chosen paint’s label for specific drying times.
If necessary, apply additional coats of paint: For optimal coverage and durability, using at least two coats of high-quality masonry paints on brick surfaces is often recommended. Allow each layer time for complete drying before proceeding with subsequent applications.
C. Finishing Touches and Cleanup
The final steps in painting your brick house involve addressing any missed spots or touch-ups needed around edges/corners where brushes/rollers may not have reached entirely during the initial application stages:
Carefully inspect painted areas for any inconsistencies or missed spots; use smaller brushes if needed for precision touch-ups.
Remove painter’s tape, and drop cloths/tarps covering windows/doors/fixtures/furniture as soon as possible after completing all required layers/coats.
Last but not least, make sure you clean up all tools used during the project – including brushes/rollers/ladders/scaffolding – by following proper cleaning procedures outlined by manufacturers’ instructions so they remain functional/useable throughout future DIY endeavors.
Key Takeaway: Mixing and stirring the chosen exterior paint thoroughly before starting is essential to paint a brick house. Use brushes or rollers for even coats of high-quality masonry paints, and allow each layer time for complete drying before proceeding with subsequent applications. Lastly, clean up all tools used during the project following proper cleaning procedures outlined by manufacturers’ instructions so they remain functional/useable throughout future DIY endeavors.
FAQs about Paint Brick House
Is Painting a Brick House a Good Idea?
Painting a brick house can be a great idea as it provides an updated look, increases curb appeal, and offers additional protection from the elements. However, it’s essential to consider factors like maintenance requirements and potential moisture issues before deciding.
What Are the Disadvantages of Painting a Brick House?
The main disadvantages of painting a brick house include increased maintenance due to paint chipping or peeling over time, potential moisture problems if not done correctly, and difficulty reversing the process once painted.
What Should You Consider When Painting a Brick House?
When painting a brick house, consider factors such as choosing the right type of paint for durability and breathability, selecting appropriate colors that complement your home’s style, and preparing the surface properly for better adhesion and longevity of the paint job.
What Are the Issues with Painting Brick?
Issues with painting bricks may include improper surface preparation, poor adhesion or peeling paint, non-breathable paints causing trapped moisture within bricks, mismatched color choices affecting aesthetics, long-term maintenance needs, and reduced natural texture visibility.
At AMDORM, we understand the importance of a high-quality paint job. If you’re considering painting your brick home, we recommend using mineral-based paint for the highest quality and longest-lasting results. Lighter colors, such as white painted brick, can also help reflect heat and keep your home cooler in the summer.
Conclusion
In summary, painting a brick residence may seem challenging, but it can be accomplished effectively with the appropriate materials and methods; choosing the right paint type and color and adequately preparing the surface for painting is crucial. Calculating how much paint you need and applying even coats of paint are necessary to achieve a professional-looking finish.
If you want to update your home’s exterior with a fresh coat of paint, consider hiring Project Painting Services. Our experienced team will ensure that your brick house is painted efficiently and effectively using high-quality materials. Please schedule a consultation with us now to get started on your exterior painting project!
Hi, I’m John Whitford, and I work as a tradesman. Having specialized in plumbing for over 15 years, I’ve worked in a number of environments, but my biggest business is for those who need help with day to day plumbing tasks in their homes.
I started AMDorm.com to provide handy information, advice and how-to guides to help others turn their homes into the house of their dreams!
