How to paint exterior brick?
Painting exterior brick can dramatically transform the look of your home, offering a fresh, updated aesthetic. However, it's a project that requires careful consideration and proper execution to ensure a beautiful, long-lasting finish and to avoid potential issues down the line. Brick is a porous material with unique properties, so simply slapping on a coat of any paint won't do. If you're in Massachusetts and considering painting your brick exterior, understanding the process, the right materials, and potential alternatives is key.
Can you paint exterior brick?
Yes, you absolutely can paint exterior brick. It's a popular choice for homeowners looking to modernize an outdated brick color, improve curb appeal, or achieve a specific design vision. When done correctly, painted brick can look fantastic and provide an additional layer of protection against the elements.
However, there are important considerations:
Breathability: Brick needs to breathe. Trapping moisture within the brick by using a non-breathable paint can lead to problems like spalling (flaking or peeling of the brick surface), mold growth, and paint failure, especially in climates with freeze-thaw cycles like New England.
Permanence: Painting brick is a largely irreversible decision. Removing paint from brick is a difficult, labor-intensive, and often expensive process that can damage the brick itself. So, be sure it's the right choice for you.
Maintenance: Painted brick will require more maintenance than unpainted brick. It will eventually need to be repainted (typically every 7-15 years, depending on the paint quality and conditions) to maintain its appearance and protective qualities.
Alternatives to Painting Brick
Before committing to paint, consider these alternatives that can also change the look of your brick while often being more breathable or less permanent:
Brick Stain (or dye): Stains penetrate the brick rather than forming a film on the surface. This allows the brick's natural texture to show through and maintains breathability. Stains come in various colors and can subtly or dramatically change the brick's hue.
Limewash: A traditional coating made from lime and water, limewash creates a classic, matte, slightly chalky finish that is highly breathable. It can be applied for a semi-transparent or more opaque look and ages beautifully, developing a unique patina over time.
German smear (or mortar wash): This technique involves applying a thin layer of mortar over the brick and then partially washing some of it off, creating a rustic, Old-World look that highlights the brick's texture while softening its color.
Clear sealers/Water repellents: If you like your brick's current color but want to protect it from moisture and weathering, a clear, breathable masonry sealer can be a good option. It won't change the color but will help preserve the brick.
How to paint exterior brick? Steps and tips
If you've decided that painting is the way to go, following these steps meticulously is crucial for a successful outcome:
Step and tip 1: Cleaning and thorough preparation
This is the most critical phase. paint won't adhere well to dirty, damaged, or efflorescent brick.
Inspect: Carefully examine the brick for any damage, cracks in mortar joints, or signs of efflorescence (those white, powdery salt deposits). Repair any damaged mortar joints (tuckpointing) and address any underlying moisture issues causing efflorescence before proceeding.
Clean thoroughly: The brick must be impeccably clean. Use a pressure washer on a low to moderate setting (too high can damage brick and mortar) with a masonry cleaner or a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) or a good quality degreasing soap to remove dirt, grime, mildew, and any loose paint if previously painted. For mildew, a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 3 parts water) can be effective. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow the brick to dry completely. This can take several days, or even a week, depending on the weather and brick porosity.
Step and tip 2: Drying and priming is essential
Ensure complete drying: Never paint damp brick. Trapped moisture is the enemy. Use a moisture meter to check if the brick is sufficiently dry (typically below 15% moisture content).
Apply a masonry primer: Once clean and bone-dry, apply a high-quality acrylic or latex masonry primer specifically designed for exterior brick. Primer helps the paint adhere better, provides a uniform surface, blocks stains, and can help neutralize the alkalinity of the brick. Ensure the primer is breathable.
Step and tip 3: Choosing the right paint
Breathable paint is key: Opt for a high-quality, breathable paint. Acrylic latex paints formulated for masonry are generally the best choice. Elastomeric paints, which are very thick and flexible, can also be used, especially if there are many hairline cracks, but ensure they are breathable. Mineral-based paints (like silicate paints) are also highly breathable and durable but can be more specialized.
Sheen: A satin or eggshell finish is often preferred for exterior brick as it's more forgiving of imperfections than a gloss finish and easier to clean than a flat finish.
Step and tip 4: Application techniques
Method: Paint can be applied with a brush, roller (use a thick-nap roller designed for textured surfaces), or an airless paint sprayer. Spraying is often the fastest and most efficient for large areas, providing even coverage, but requires careful masking and can be tricky for beginners. Back-rolling or back-brushing after spraying can help work the paint into the brick's texture.
Coats: Apply at least two coats of paint for good coverage and durability. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for drying times between coats.
Weather conditions: Don't paint in direct, hot sun, when it's too cold (usually below 50°F or 10°C), or if rain is expected.
Step and tip 5: Curing and future maintenance
Curing time: Allow the paint to cure fully according to the manufacturer's instructions. This can take several days to a few weeks.
Maintenance: Inspect your painted brick annually. Clean it gently as needed (avoid harsh pressure washing on painted surfaces). Touch up any chips or peeling areas promptly to prevent moisture intrusion.
FAQ’s paint exterior brick
What kind of paint do you use on exterior brick?
The best paints are high-quality, breathable acrylic latex paints specifically designed for masonry. Elastomeric or mineral-based paints can also be good options. Always pair with a suitable masonry primer.
Can you paint straight onto exterior brick?
It's highly discouraged. Proper cleaning and priming are essential for good adhesion, longevity, and to prevent moisture issues. Primer creates a proper bond and seals the porous brick surface.
Can I paint exterior bricks myself?
Yes, it's a DIY-achievable project if you're meticulous with preparation and follow the correct steps. However, it's labor-intensive. If you're unsure or have a large area, hiring a professional painting contractor like Pessotti Construction is a wise investment.
Is it better to spray or roll exterior paint on brick?
Spraying is generally faster and provides more even coverage, especially on textured brick, but requires more prep (masking) and skill. Rolling is more DIY-friendly but can be slower. Often, a combination (spraying followed by back-rolling) yields the best results.
Looking for exterior brick painting services in Massachusetts? Contact Pessotti Construction
Painting exterior brick is a significant upgrade that can beautify and protect your home for years to come, but it demands the right approach. If you're in Fall River, MA, or surrounding areas in Massachusetts and considering painting your brick home, Pessotti Construction offers expert exterior painting services.
We understand the nuances of working with brick and use only high-quality, breathable paints and primers to ensure a durable and attractive finish. Our team can handle everything from thorough preparation to flawless application. Contact us today for a professional consultation and a free estimate for your exterior brick painting project!
