If you’re not in love with your home’s brick exterior, you may want to consider painting it! Painted brick can look great in a variety of shades, and it never seems to go out of style. It’s the perfect way to update a home that looks dated or make your home stand out among the dull brick houses on your block.
You don’t have to do it yourself, but if you’re willing to try, we’ve got some tips for you.
What You’ll Need to Do the Job Right
You’ll need a few materials – besides just paint – so that you can do the job right. SNL recommends having the following on hand:
- Pressure washer
- Power sander
- Caulk
- Masonry primer
- Acrylic mortar patch or mortar
- Standard painting supplies – quality brushes, a thick paint roller, a paint scraper, etc.
- Heavy duty tarp
- Shop vacuum
- Exterior paint in your chosen color
Proper Prep Will Insure That Your Paint Job Looks Great
Before you begin painting, you’ll want to do some prep work so that your brick absorbs the paint well and you have a smooth painted look. The first thing you should do is clean your exterior thoroughly. Then, patch any cracks or ruts so your surface is ready for paint.
You can remove any loose or peeling paint with a paint scraper. Once you’ve done the initial clean up, go over your brick with a pressure washer, or hire a power washing professional to do the job for you. Beware of using too much force; blasting away at your home could damage the mortar. You want to clear off dirt, grime, and peeling paint, but you don’t want to damage the brick exterior itself.
Allow plenty of time for the brick to dry. Any lingering dampness may make painting more difficult. Next, look over your home once more for gaps in the mortar or other blemishes. You’ll want to fill the gaps you can with mortar or acrylic mortar patch. After that, sand the brick smooth with a hand sander or circular sander.
Steps for Painting Exterior Brick
Prime the brick first using a high quality acrylic or latex masonry primer. Let that primer dry completely before you do anything else. Also, be sure to caulk any areas where water can seep in: windows, doors, trim, and areas around the chimney. Be thorough! Then, clear any dust away using a brush or shop vacuum.
Finally, you’re ready to paint! You’ll want to use elastomeric or 100% acrylic latex. Those are your strongest and longest-lasting options for the exterior. Use a thick roller so you can be sure you’re getting paint in all the nooks and crannies. Let your first coat dry, and then go over your home again. To do the job right, you’ll want at least 2 coats, preferably more for a clean overall look.
Call on the Experts if You Don’t Want to Do It Yourself
If this sounds like the kind of work you’d rather hire out, let us know! Our professional painters have plenty of experience with exterior brick, and we’ll be happy to do the job for you.
